The 2015 Raider Take Manifesto
This season is shot, so I might as well get on with my manifesto for the 2015 season. I think this is very important, so read on and let me know what you think:
Starting now, the Raiders need to build a stronger identity, and that identity should revolve around Derek Carr if, indeed, the organization feels that he is their franchise quarterback.
Look at what the Colts did after they drafted Andrew Luck in the first round of the 2012 draft. Over the next three picks in that same draft, they selected tight ends Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen, and receiver T.Y. Hilton (all of whom caught TDs last night, by the way).
In 2013, they signed 1,000-yard rusher Ahmad Bradshaw. They also made a trade for Trent Richardson that went sideways, but it was a sign of continued aggressiveness to build around Luck. They drafted a guard and a center in the second and third rounds. This year they drafted a guard and a receiver with their first two picks, and signed receiver Hakeem Nicks.
You can argue with this approach and and say it might not work for everyone. But you can't accuse the Colts of not having a plan and not having a vision. And they are playoff bound for the third straight year.
Their plan is also in sync with the modern NFL and the rules changes that emphasize the passing game. Not coincidentally, most of the teams that are soaring right now are those with good-to-great quarterbacks with considerable skill position weaponry: Colts, Cowboys, Steelers, Cardinals, Eagles, Broncos, Patriots, etc.
Meanwhile, the Raiders made the most noise in free agency this year by losing their best running back Rashad Jennings and best offensive tackle Jared Veldheer, and signing older veterans on defense along with James Jones at receiver and an obviously aging Maurice Jones-Drew at running back. In the draft, the had eight picks, and only two were on the offensive side of the ball (Carr and Jackson).
It's no wonder that the Raiders are sputtering on offense, and that Carr looks alone out there on the field, trying to rise to the occasion but carrying too much on his shoulders.
This needs to be remedied effective immediately. There needs to be an evident plan going forward. Of course, you can't sacrifice your defense entirely for more offense, but the Raiders need to do a way better job of tilting their efforts toward skill position depth and offensive explosiveness.
Add this to the mix: In a few years, Manning and Rivers will be on their way out of the division. Manning can only last so long, and Rivers is already showing signs of deterioration. The Chiefs are hanging in there, but it's hard to see them becoming a perennial powerhouse with Alex Smith at quarterback.
In other words, there is an opportunity to exploit here, a chance to execute a plan and, like the Colts, emerge as the class of the division in two or three years, built around a franchise quarterback and an explosive offense that our division rivals can't keep up with.
So go forth, Oakland Raiders, and quit chasing your tail and start paving a clear path toward future success.
P.S. Off course, all bets are off if Carr proves to be a middling quarterback. But that's above my pay grade. I'm not in the film room, at practice or breaking down game tape, which is why it's almost impossible for fans to separate fact from fiction when the guy has no weapons. My point is that if the Raiders do believe that he is their guy, it's time to get serious about it.
Starting now, the Raiders need to build a stronger identity, and that identity should revolve around Derek Carr if, indeed, the organization feels that he is their franchise quarterback.
Look at what the Colts did after they drafted Andrew Luck in the first round of the 2012 draft. Over the next three picks in that same draft, they selected tight ends Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen, and receiver T.Y. Hilton (all of whom caught TDs last night, by the way).
In 2013, they signed 1,000-yard rusher Ahmad Bradshaw. They also made a trade for Trent Richardson that went sideways, but it was a sign of continued aggressiveness to build around Luck. They drafted a guard and a center in the second and third rounds. This year they drafted a guard and a receiver with their first two picks, and signed receiver Hakeem Nicks.
You can argue with this approach and and say it might not work for everyone. But you can't accuse the Colts of not having a plan and not having a vision. And they are playoff bound for the third straight year.
Their plan is also in sync with the modern NFL and the rules changes that emphasize the passing game. Not coincidentally, most of the teams that are soaring right now are those with good-to-great quarterbacks with considerable skill position weaponry: Colts, Cowboys, Steelers, Cardinals, Eagles, Broncos, Patriots, etc.
Meanwhile, the Raiders made the most noise in free agency this year by losing their best running back Rashad Jennings and best offensive tackle Jared Veldheer, and signing older veterans on defense along with James Jones at receiver and an obviously aging Maurice Jones-Drew at running back. In the draft, the had eight picks, and only two were on the offensive side of the ball (Carr and Jackson).
It's no wonder that the Raiders are sputtering on offense, and that Carr looks alone out there on the field, trying to rise to the occasion but carrying too much on his shoulders.
This needs to be remedied effective immediately. There needs to be an evident plan going forward. Of course, you can't sacrifice your defense entirely for more offense, but the Raiders need to do a way better job of tilting their efforts toward skill position depth and offensive explosiveness.
Add this to the mix: In a few years, Manning and Rivers will be on their way out of the division. Manning can only last so long, and Rivers is already showing signs of deterioration. The Chiefs are hanging in there, but it's hard to see them becoming a perennial powerhouse with Alex Smith at quarterback.
In other words, there is an opportunity to exploit here, a chance to execute a plan and, like the Colts, emerge as the class of the division in two or three years, built around a franchise quarterback and an explosive offense that our division rivals can't keep up with.
So go forth, Oakland Raiders, and quit chasing your tail and start paving a clear path toward future success.
P.S. Off course, all bets are off if Carr proves to be a middling quarterback. But that's above my pay grade. I'm not in the film room, at practice or breaking down game tape, which is why it's almost impossible for fans to separate fact from fiction when the guy has no weapons. My point is that if the Raiders do believe that he is their guy, it's time to get serious about it.
posted by Raider Take at 9:54 AM
47 Comments:
RT,
Excellent piece, thanks for posting it. I agree with the need for a complete overhaul on o with the exception of RB which in today's nfl is somewhat fungible. I don't think McFadden is terrible.
I only would take exception on two points. First the d-line and cb position is atrocious and its critical the Raiders address this, so again they should be drafting best available since there are so may holes on the roster.
Second, I know its too early to judge Carr, he has no weapons, yeah I am not qualified (in the film room) and you put a caveat on your plan with "if, indeed, the organization feels that he is their franchise quarterback".
However, I don't think it is a stretch to say Carr is no Andrew Luck not even close. No disrespect to Carr he may turn into a good nfl starter perhaps a pro bowl or two in his future but Luck is an Elway type talent and Carr is not close to that level. Therefore building entirely around him may be risky if done at the behest of fixing the D etc. Your not really comparing Carr to Luck are you?
Regards and thanks for the very thoughtful post.
Sandy
Thanks, Sandy!
No, not comparing Carr to Luck, but if he can be a good-to-great franchise quarterback in the NFL, then he needs weapons and protection, pronto.
Look at Carson Palmer slinging the ball in Arizona, compared to when he was here. The difference is weapons and protection.
For every perennial contender like the Seahawks built around a lights-out defense, there are five contenders built around an explosive offense.
So while we need to mind our defense, it's time to quit running around plugging fingers into the proverbial dike and build a new one.
When Mr. Davis was here, he was cornerback crazy. Now Reggie's drafting a CB in the first round last year, two more CBs this year, signed another CB in Tarrelle Brown, probably others, I can't keep track.
What has focusing on CB ever gotten us?
At least if you have an explosive offense, you have a chance to keep up with your own mediocre defense. This year is a prime example. We've had several close games lately, but can't score touchdowns, so we lose.
I will compare Luck and Carr. If Derek Carr was on the Colts, he would put up similar numbers.
Carr has that "it" factor. Yes, he's made some rookie mistakes, and I can live with that, even Luck made some of the same mistakes his rookie year. The biggest difference right now is the play calling and the talent around him. Carr has all the leadership tools to take this team to the next level.
So Take, I think you are right, the Raiders need to focus on what kind of identity they want this team to be? That starts with the front office. What kind of management do they want? They have to reach out to a quality Head Coach. The next Head Coach has to have tangible experience in the NFL as a Coordinator or Head Coach. Not a first time position coach to Head Coach move.
Someone like Todd Bowles, Gruden, Harbaugh, Del Rio. A coach that is going to bring swagger to the locker room, and cause free agents to think, "I really want to play for that guy!" Someone who is going to command this team, and demand better performance; not someone who is going to look for positives in a deteriorating situation instead of working to fix the problems.
I'm really frustrated with the Raiders right now, and a lot of it is stemmed at the coaching and front office. What I look for in the offseason is a change in attitude from the front office down to the coaching staff, then I will worry about the product on the field.
Rich Gannon was no Andrew Luck.
And TJ Carrie looks good at CB/KR. Plus, the jury is still out on Hayden. If he makes those two INTs Sunday, I'm probably adding him to this short list.
That said, this roster is extremely weak, weaker than it should be after three offseasons, during each of which we were told improvement was at hand.
We can debate all day what positions need immediate help. Truth is, all of the above.
Sandy, I completely disagree wrt McFadden. Haven’t we seen enough of him, and MJD for that matter? IMO, it’s time to infuse young talent to the position. Jennings ran circles around McFadden last year. And Reece would this year if they’d just give him the ball.
If we must keep him, McFadden is better in space. Put him in the slot and have him catching slants and screens.
Take, it seems like every few years there’s been opportunity for the Raiders to make noise in the AFC West. There were years when we had favorable schedules, and years when other teams in the division were considered marginal (pre-Manning).
Hoping Manning and Rivers retire so the Raiders can get back on track is a testament to how poorly the Raiders have utilized their resources and their perpetual inability to field a competitive team.
In hindsight, I believe the biggest mistake by Davis was hiring a rookie GM when he, himself, had so little to offer. That was worsened when McKenize hired a rookie HC. Honestly, think about who’s running this show?
I think the real question right now should be whether or not McKenzie is competent enough to change the Raiders fate, and how much time he should be given (like three years to see the current results wasn’t enough torture!).
My hope is that Mark Davis has already started the interview process to see if better options are available.
Meanwhile, more snaps for the young players. Let the evaluation process kick in to high gear. We can only hope that whoever takes over will actually take the time to study the current roster enough to understand its strengths and weaknesses.
Cheers!
I'm not in favor of waiting for Manning and Rivers to retire, but I do think that if we execute a plan to build an explosive offense, an added benefit is that we might start peaking on offense at the same time our rivals are retooling on offense.
Most of all, I'd like to see a discernible plan. Getting Schaub and drafting Carr, and then only drafting one other offensive player out of the other seven picks, and letting your best running back walk in free agency and failing to sign one of the available top-tier receivers while loading up on older defensive vets just doesn't jump out to me as a clear plan.
I can't yet discern the direction or point of emphasis.
But when I look around at what's working in the NFL, it suggest to me that if and when we do latch onto a point of emphasis, it should be stacking up talent around Carr and building an explosive offense that can go out and win games.
We can't do everything simultaneously. Everyone complains about how the best free agents don't want to come to Oakland. That may or may not be true. But if you build a winning offense and show real potential, then you go to elite defensive free agents and say we're close and we need you on the other side to get us over the top.
Take, do you think the plan should include McKenize at the helm, or should it start by replacing McKenzie?
Somebody needs to hire the Raiders next head coach. Mark Davis has stated he will be more involved in that process, obviously exuding a lack of confidence in his GM.
Seems like we're at least a HC removed from having a viable plan. A GM too if you think McKenzie is toast.
NY
When I watch McFadden play he is still seems to be running with power and elite speed/burst. I think it is more the o-line and play calling than him. Perhaps I am nostalgic because the last time the Raiders put together a few wins was when McFadden was running wild.
I see the only chances of a Raider win this year is when McFadden gets 20 plus carries in some game and breaks off a long one.
We all know that the RB position has been completely devalued in the NFL. At McFadden's current salary the Raiders can't do much better.
RT, I hear you bro, there are so many holes its not worth arguing over which one to fill first. However, CB has become probably the most important position in the NFL after QB and TJ Carrie and Hayden is not going to get us to the playoffs. You mention Davis chasing QBs well when the Raiders were last successful they were trotting out good CBs McDaniel, Eric Allen, Woodson etc. The best teams in the NFL have stars at CB and elite secondaries (Zona-Peterson, NE - Revis, Denver - Talib, Eagles Boykin, Seahawks - sherman)
One thing I agree with is the utter lack of direction under McKenzie. I think Raider Nate hit the nail on the head it starts with the head coach. They need a leader, who can inspire at that position hence why I so desperately want Gruden back.
First order of biz Reggie dont let the door hit your ass on the way out
Have a good night
Sandy
Sandy,
I think the problem with McFadden is he is waiting for a HUGE hole in the line to run through. He's not used to running through tight spaces. He is not a power runner. Yet, the Raiders coaches keep calling for power run plays with him. It's the most absurd thing I've ever seen. We saw his potential with Hue.
The other problem I see with him is he waits too long for something to develop for him to run through. You cannot hesitate, and he does that too often.
These problems are magnified because the OC does not call plays to his strength as an outside speed runner. The OC only calls for him to power run, and he's not a power runner. Then they will bring in a power runner like MJD, and call for an outside speed rush.
What do you get when you breed stupid with stupid? More stupid. That is what the current front office and coaching staff are doing with this team and game planning.
Sandy, have you forgotten how much better Jennings was than McFadden last year? Don't sell the position short. McFadden runs into his blockers instead of changing direction (ala Marcus Allen) and usually goes down at first touch.
Compare that to Marshawn Lynch and his in your face determination on Sunday that carried an entire pile of Raider defenders into the end zone.
McFadden is far from elite. For some strange reason, we're still waiting for him to get his career started.
NY, given the lack of a discernible personnel plan to date, coupled with 14 straight losses, it's hard for me to make the case for keeping McKenzie. But if we do, he needs to do better.
Fair points, Sandy. However, just consider that even with our suspect defense and secondary, we've played some close recent games with the Cardinals, Seahawks and Chargers. We just couldn't score the points. Carr has nothing to work with--in an NFL where the surest route to contending is having a loaded offense.
Like I said, we can't do everything at once. I think you go the Denver or Colts or Philly route, you build an explosive offense and then backfill as you can to improve your defense. And it's easier to backfill with high-end free agents when you can actually sell them some hope with regard to winning.
I would posit that you can't build a team around a guy like Revis like you can build around franchise QB.
Here are the numbers from the active rookie class of QBs. Carr is as good or better, with by far the worst running game in the NFL, and that's not even close.
Blake Bortles
7 games
1,631 yards
6.77 avg
63.9% comp
8 TDs
13 INTs
72.1 QB Rating
Teddy Bridgewater
6 games
1,321 yards
6.71 avg
60.4% comp
3 TDs
5 INTs
74.9 Rating
Derek Carr
8 games
5.9 avg
60.7% comp
11 TDs
7 INTs
79.8 Rating
One more thing about our running game. Sparano said in his post game PC that the Seahawks stayed mostly in their base defense with LBs stacking the box, and seldom going into their nickel D. Upon seeing that, the Raiders continued to run between the tackles. They rarely (if at all) tested the edge of the defense.
On the surface, it sounds incompetent.
Forgot to post Carr's yardage.
1,711 yards.
The Raiders definitely need to have a comprehensive plan to re-build the organization where all the pieces fit to include identity, leadership, systems, talent, scouting, and coaching. Typically this vision comes from a combination of the owner, GM, and Head Coach who are all on the same page.
A rookie owner, rookie GM, and rookie Head Coach, and team lacking talent and depth was the ultimate shit storm.
To successfully navigate the troubled waters, we desperately need at least 2 of 3 (owner, GM, Head Coach) changes. Since it is relatively safe to assume that Mark Davis does not plan to sell the team, the next logical step is to hire a new dynamic GM who hires a new Head Coach.
This is where it gets extremely frustrating for long time Raider fans. Frustrating because it begs the questions:
Where are we going to find this dynamic GM and
What dynamic GM will be interested in taking on the role.
If I was Mark Davis, I would (a) turn over ever possible stone and (b) be willing to back up a brinks truck to lure the next GM to include a small ownership stake in the franchise.
Might sound like desperate measures but recruiting a top level GM by making him a partner in the organization is how the Raiders became successful in the first place with Al Davis.
It would be the ultimate full circle.
Regardless, it will take a unique recruiting "pitch" ($, control, ownership stake) to get this ship off the rocks to find a GM who can turn this around. Otherwise, we will always be 'settling' for unproven leaders.
As good (and correct) as that sounds, we still need an owner who is savvy enough to put the process in motion. After suggesting he'd take a bigger role in identifying the next head coach, Mark Davis stated McKenzie's job is secure.
It might take a couple more seasons of this type failure to open Davis's eyes.
If McKenzie, by some miracle, turns the team around after 5-6 years on the job, nobody will accuse him of being efficient.
I can't believe what I'm reading here lately.
Raiders have a GM that has built a winless team. Yet many are sitting around, wondering about giving him more chances.
Really? Reggie deserves another draft ? Another free agent spending spree ? To hire another HC ? On what grounds ?
RT, you want identity. Well Raiders have an identity, and it aint pretty.
Raiders lose every game. Have a clueless GM. A feeble, detached owner. A lackluster coaching staff. Players that either, aren't good enough, don't care, or both.
And guess what we'll get with more of Reggie & M. Davis ? More of the same inept performance. Inept hirings, signings, drafting.
Identity. Yeah, Raiders got identity...LOSERS, is what it's called.
Raider00
I can not stand McKenzie and I have been advocating for firing him since he was hired and proceeded to shit on everything connected to Al Davis.
The sooner he his gone the better. I think NY feels the same way and his post above is just him preparing for the fact Mark Davis may be so incompetent he actually keeps him. Sorry if I put words in your mouth NY but in remembering past posts it seems you have been down on Reggie for awhile.
I think the only one left who has been on board in keeping Reggie is Jones
Regards
Sandy
You nailed it, Sandy. Thx
Sandy/NY....I understand. I'm not calling anyone out.
I'm really starting to believe the bigger problem with Raiders is owner, Mark Davis.
Reggie is a terrible GM. He's built a winless team, and perhaps a team on the road to a historic, record for losing.
But hapless owner, Mark Davis just stands by, and lets it happen.
Does anyone on this blog believe the Raiders have any chance to beat the Donks this weekend ?
How about going to St. Louis to beat the Rams ? Buffalo ? No way. No chance.
This is as bad as it gets. Losing every game, and we know we are going to lose.
The GM should be fired already. I will call for Reggie to be fired after each loss.
But the owner doesn't care, so he doesn't listen.
NFL.com's Top 10 Free Agent Flops:
http://tinyurl.com/nq9vrmg
Raiders make the list with Woodley (#3) and MJD (#9).
How Matt Schaub doesn't make this list is a mystery. And Tuck is highly suspect.
A thought from the author:
"Reggie McKenzie's plan to rebuild a depleted roster with paycheck veterans was a head-scratcher from the get-go."
"In four games against the Raiders with the Broncos, Manning has completed 81.3 percent of his passes for 1,288 yards, 11 touchdowns, one interception and a passer rating of 128.7."
By now, we've memorized the definition of insanity. Q is, have the Raiders?
Something has to change.
Raiders are already depleted in the secondary. IMO, play press coverage and run/pass blitz every down. Raiders in react coverage D is an invitation for another ass kicking.
Raider 00
Is the double zero in your handle in honor of Otto?
Reggie is a half decent scout at best he has no idea how to run a team. I think he is very insecure and it shows in picking a rookie head coach when they needed a steady veteran hand on a team completely lacking in leadership. So does shitting on everything Al did and continuing to use it as an excuse. Not to mention bringing in his brother to the scouting department while getting rid of some quality player personnel people.
There was a few decent players on the Raider team Reggie inherited such as Barksdale, Palmer, Mitchell, Veldheer and Bryant. If he had kept some of these guys around things would be slightly better now or there would be less to do in the rebuild.
I think Mark got some bad advice on Reggie and being the neophyte he is, and his Dad's meddling rep he did not want to seem like he was interfering so he let Reggie make whole sale changes.
Building through the draft may be the right strategy for the long term, Reggie's weak 2103 draft aside. However you still need to heavily augment with FA especially when you have tens of millions in cap room. Reggie seems to be clueless on FAs.
I think the best solution is for Mark to bring in a top tier coach and then find a GM to augment that person. Sort of like when Gruden and Bruce Allen worked together.
The only thing I disagree with in what you wrote is Mark probably does care deeply he is just clueless. His incompetence carries into the business side as well. Look how his inactivity on that side relates to the stadium issue. Seriously is there a team in North American pro sports that has a worse stadium?
I give them a chance at the buffalo and St.louis game. But even 2-14 would leave them at 10-38 during the McKenzie era. If Mark keeps him after that I would say Reggie mush have some compromising pics of Mark somewhere.
Chat soon
Sandy
Sandy...Yes, the 00 is for the great Jim Otto.
I would trade this entire roster of current Raiders for one Jim Otto.
NYRaider,...I believe Schaub came in a trade, not free agency.
So Schaub can be on list of worst trades.
Worst trades, worst free agents, worst hirings. Those are Reggies lists'.
A good GM should utilize his coach to help fill the needs of the team. Provide the coach with solid scouting reports that show him what the strengths of the player are, and what his weaknesses are. The 2 should work together, with the GM focusing on the talent/scouting side, and the Head Coach working to utilize the strengths of the players being brought in, and implementing the game plan around such.
Here is where the problem is. Reggie, I believe, has brought this system into place with the Raiders. This is the type of scouting he did with the Packers. The problem is he hired a first time Head Coach who was only a Defensive Coordinator under a Head Coach who called the defensive plays. A coach who teaches scheme more than he coaches to the strengths of the players, because he was by trade a position coach, and that is what position coaches do, teach scheme for the position. I think Reggie thought he could help Dennis improve and become a good coach. He failed.
If he stays, I think Reggie would become a better General Manager if he had a solid coach like Gruden, Todd Bowles, Del Rio, or a Harbaugh-type guy who is fiery, and will light a fire under his players and push them to be better. A coach with experience that will further help Reggie become a better GM.
To me, a good GM is not the boss of the Head Coach, but an extension of the Head Coach's responsibility in the scouting area, as well as the voice of the coach to the owner. Too often, it has become a power position over the coach. This is how Bruce Allen and Gruden worked.
OO - Indeed. Schaub should be on a list of the season's worst trades. It cost the Raiders $8M for one pass... an INT.
Raiders should have thrown that money at a decent HC.
SCAR
My 2014 midseason report...
Annnnd the pity party rolls on.
0-8 is 0-8.
The losses are piling on.
But guess what? all that bullshit is actually starting to turn into fertilizer in some key ways.
I have to agree with the free agent signing being busts.
The head coach signing in the context of the situation(who really wanted to come to Oakland and coach?) is a wash for me. In the defense of RM He did have a backup plan(signing Sparano as the asst. head coach) . Are we going to be selective about the reputation of the raiders in the league? Even in 2014 the Raiders are the least popular team amongst players in the NFL.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but from the start wasn't the agenda of Reggie McKenzie to build a team thru the draft. Correct me if I'm wrong, but from the start the agenda of Reggie McKenzie has been to modernize the Raiders front office. Al Davis(RIP) was a 1 man show. That doesn't exist anymore, but neither did the foundation of a modern organization when Reggie became the GM. So the modernization or lack thereof needs to be dissected. Correct me if I'm wrong, from the start wasn't it common knowledge that this was a 5 year plan?
I know this is a results driven league, but imo as long as the core of young players is constantly improving, building up to something greater then the year before, then 2-14 or 8-8 makes no difference. 8-8 isn't going to win the superbowl. So show progress that your building up a core that will compete for a superbowl, and I'm on board with that.
That to me is the one key area where I think McKenzie is doing good, maybe even very good. Yes I said very good. Rm has drafted solidly the last 2 years. Last years 1st 3 picks started last week. 4 starters already(Mychal Rivera) and 2 more, Brice Butler and Stacy McGee on the roster getting NFL reps every week.
The 2014 draft has 5 starters. Seems like good decisions at the draft to me.
Both these classes can still swing in a good or bad direction because there is still 8 games to play this season and really shouldn't we wait at least 2 full years before having a comprehensive assessment of an overall class grade?
My only point is Rm should be critiziced for many moves, but he should be given credit for his drafting.
So, on to Carr and the future of the Raiders. Yes, I do believe the Raiders have made Carr the Present and future qb. Next year, aggressive moves should be made to give Carr all the opportunity to succeed, and win. To include drafting wr, te, rb, ol high in the draft(yes I think RM can do this smartly) as well as free agent signings(no I do not think RM can do this smartly)
A new head coach?? Only an established Gruden/Harbaugh type should be allowed to even interview.
A new GM?? Possibly. RM has failed in free agency and right now his drafts aren't saving him.
A new stadium???? Oakland. Oakland Raiders. Get it together already...
A new Owner? Time will tell.
SCAR
P.s. Go Raiders! Take down the Broncos this week!
P.s.s. NFL officials, guess what? You still suck
Oh, how I wish their was a way to post pictures on here.
I've got a terrific meme of the dude on the movie "Mask" with the caption saying, "I'm sorry, no, I am not Peyton Manning."
The Raiders may be 0-8, but the Doncos still suck.
First and most important. Raider 00, I hear ya: God bless the great Jim Otto. He was one of a kind the Raiders could use some leadership like that. He gave everything to the Raiders. This article is great and shows how dedicated Otto was.
http://mmqb.si.com/2013/11/01/joe-greene-jim-otto-1974-afc-championship-game/
Scar
You make some interesting points but you lost me a little when you sight McGee, Butler and Rivera as a sign of draft success. Maybe Rivera is half decent but come on Butler and McGee they would not start on any team in the NFL. You also can not gloss over the fact Hayden and Watson could have been Richardson/Loutalie and Alonso. As of this date those two are huge busts. It did not take a genius to draft Mack.So Reggie's draft record is incomplete and mediocre at best.
Sorry to jump on your post man don't want to be grouchy but the team is going backward with Reggie that should be the only true measure given we are in year 3.
Regards
Sandy
"then 2-14 or 8-8 makes no difference"
***************************************************************
Where are the 2 wins ? Did I miss something ? What happened, when did Raiders win 2 games ?
Is 0-16 the same as 8-8 ?
And by the way, with Reggie at helm, 8 wins is light years away.
SCAR
Sandy, as long as we keep it civil and remember we are all Raiders fans on this post, jump on my post all you want.
I didn't say Butler and McGee are starting, I said they are getting playing time. Why are we eating our young guys? Why can't two 2nd year 6th/7th round draft picks that are getting snaps in the NFL with upside(McGee)be considered good draft picks? They are in my book.
It took Namdi 4 years to "get it." We are going to have to disagree on labeling Watson and Hayden a huge bust. Hayden has a huge red flag. He has been injured often. He is one injury away this season from attaining MdFadden status. but until then, I see a DB who is making plays, and has been in position to make game changing plays twice now.
Watson is starting. whats the problem? Most everyone is saying that Carr is getting lots of protection from the line. We can ALL agree that Sio Moore should start for the next 7 years.
Again, the draft grades imo cant really solidify until at a minimum of 2 full seasons, but I see good where you see bad.
SCAR
SCAR
Raider 00. You are right. Right now, I see ZERO wins and EIGHT losses.
I see a team playing a lot better under Sparano then they did for Allen. I see young talent sprouting up, and a team not quitting. What do you see?
SCAR
SCAR, I appreciate your perspective, but I'm having a hard time coming around to it, particularly as it relates to the notion of a five-year plan.
There's a term for five-year plans to achieve a winning record in the NFL: fired.
Let's go back to the halfway mark of last season, exactly a year ago. Say that someone back then piped up and said out loud, "Hey guys, you know what, we've got another full draft coming next year and $60 million to spend in free agency, and you may think that will be grounds for improvement, but in fact, we're going to get worse, and we're going to go 0-8 to start the season--and it's sort of to be expected, so don't get on Reggie about it when it happens."
If someone had actually said all that a year ago, I think we would have all said they were smoking crack, right?
Scar...what I see is a great, big, mess.
And it's getting worse, week by week. Season by season.
Reggie doesn't have a clue. And Mark Davis has complete faith in him.
Reggie and Mark's winless Raiders are a joke. And a tired act.
SCAR
@RaiderTake, I'm not on board with 0-8. RM doesn't get a free pass. He is the GM not the scouting director. I'm just asking myself if I see any silver linings.
I happen to think the Raiders, thru the draft, specifically drafting Carr, are positioned to compete for a Superbowl sometime during Carr's career. Of course, there are all kinds of moves(2 more solid drafts), transactions(good to great free agent pickups), etc,etc(changes in the coaching staff) that need to happen still for this to become a reality.
I happen to be in the minority in the belief that McKenzie is doing a good job choosing college kids to play for the Raiders. The young talent are starting to win the 1-1 battles. Get enough of those wins on the field and the wins on the scoreboard will start coming.
SCAR
Headline:
"Former coach John Madden says a return to Raiders for Jon Gruden wouldn’t work"
No offense to John Madden, but didn't he also say McKenzie would work?
Even discussing a GM replacement seems to imply Madden sees McKenzie has failed the Raiders.
I'm not sure Gruden is the answer, but I wouldn't entirely discount that possibility.
I think McKenzie has a 5-year contract, which leads me back to the notion Mark Davis will honor that contract before making a change, if he does.
So in a world where 3 years of failure should equal "you're fired", the Raiders will likely remain the exception. Time will tell.
Scar
You think Watson is a quality player. He seems to suck to me. We would have been much much better keeping Barksdale. Barnes beat him out this year and the only reason Watson got on the field is due injury.
Curious as to how you define him as a quality drafting by Reggie. Also just because guys are starting on the Raiders does not make them good. Why? The Raiders are so bad these guys would not starting on any other team in the league. Look at the guys we are trotting out at safety: Brandian Ross he would be in the CFL if not for the Raiders.
You also mention Hayden? You see a DB who is playing well? I see a dB who has been on the field for a game and half this year and got called for two penalties. A huge stretch to call Hayden a good player at this point. Let's see if he can play a few games in a row---I guess that is how we define progress now for the Raiders lol.
Have a good weekend
Sandy
By the way anyone see what Desmond Bryant did last night, the guys is a beast.
Great move Reggie. Can you imagine a DL with Bryant and then someone like Leonard Williams or Richardson or Lotulelei put that with Moore and Mack and you would really have a serious front seven. But hey we got Flynn, Schaub, Briesel, Tuck, Smith, Woodley, Austin---do I need to go on.
REGGIE MUST GO
Regards
Sandy
Using Madden's logic, I guess the Raiders should not have hired Tony Sparano for HC.
Afterall, Sparano hasn't been a HC since 2010. The game must have past him by.
I guess Dick Vermeil should never have returned,(and win a SB), after his long time away from coaching.
Bill Parcells had much success jumping from TV gigs, to coaching jobs. The time away didn't seem to hurt him.
I still view Gruden as a relevent person in todays NFL.
It's not like he's been living in a cave somewhere.
Gruden is watching games. Watching film. In touch with the stratagies being used at the pro, and college level.
Gruden is on top of the personnel at the pro, and college level. And coaches too.
If Gruden were named Raiders, persident of football operations-GM, he would have no problem finding a HC that can win.
I'll promise you this much. Gruden would not be "overwhelmed", in an interview with sleepy, Dennis Allen.
Scar, I know you're not on board with 0-8.
At the same time, I don't think the Raiders are currently positioned to do much with Carr down the line unless there are some big changes, either in Reggie's performance, or at the GM position.
He had a better draft this year, but a fairly dismal trade-free agency period, which seems to have made the team worse on the field.
I'm not sure I want to double-down with a fourth year of this guy at the helm. At some point, the rubber hits the road.
Gruden for HC, president or GM would likely be a step in the right direction. I don't believe for a minute that modern NFL has passed him by. If anything, he's more knowledgable and better rounded as a result of stepping away from coaching into his current situation.
But I'd prefer to not take anything at face value. It's about time someone in Oakland performed due diligence before making another major GM/HC choice.
Enough with the one and done interview process!
Under the category of useless but somewhat interesting, Vegas odds are dropping on the Raiders going winless this season. Apparently, there's not a lot of faith in the Raiders by the betting community.
Odds have fallen below 10:1 that Raiders lose their remaining games.
If perception is reality, this certainly isn't a sign the Raiders are improving.
http://tinyurl.com/qtjg7t
RT,
How sick is it for me to wish the Raiders loose every remaining game? My rational is that it will even force Mark "Tommy Boy" Davis to have to fire RE]eggie and open up the vault for a Gruden type.
Have a good weekend
Sandy
You are one sick puppy, Sandy!
I've never understood this reluctance to pay top dollar for a coach or GM.
Back in the day, you're throwing millions at oafs like Javon Walker and DeAngelo Hall, or lately at stiffs like Flynn and Schaub, but you can't pony up for an experienced leader? Makes no sense to me.
RT,
Thanks for kinda of agreeing lol.
Okay how hard would it be to be a fan of the San Antonio Raiders? I am sorry I can deal with LA or Santa Clara but hell no to San Antonio. The combo of Al being gone/no soul, no wins, and playing San Antonio. Consider me no longer a fan if that happens
NY do you become a Jets/Giants fan if that happens?
Hope you are enjoying your weekend.
Sandy
"NY do you become a Jets/Giants fan if that happens?"
Lol. Are there any other options?
I thought NFL made a rule, that if a team moves, the teams name stays with city they left.
Like when Baltimore became the Ravens, but the name, Browns stayed in Cleveland.
So if Mark Davis were to move Raiders, does he have to rename the team ?
Does the name Raiders, stay with Oakland ?
Just curious. Anyone know anything about this ?
No rule, the City of Cleveland fought in court to keep the name and legacy. It meant that much to them.
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