Broncos Gameday Thread
In addition to a slim chance at making the playoffs, a win today would ensure that the Raiders don't end the season with the same record as the lowly Broncos. A lot to play for, time to end the season on a solid note. GO RAIDERS!
posted by Raider Take at 1:12 PM
114 Comments:
Raiders just got jobbed on an Ingold TD by Referees. SHEESH! At least Defense is holding so far. Good drives by Offense, but no joy.
NFL Refs are the worst, for all teams, in all games.
NFL refuses to improve the product. What can you do?
End of an era!
I haven't watched the game yet but it's pretty clear from reading media that the refs played a big part in the outcome. What a shame and certainly no surprise.
But the Raiders have to take care of their own business, including and especially during the off-season. There's lots to do.
No denying that Gruden has done some good things this year, and Mayock was instrumental in one of the best drafts I can remember save the 2014 draft (hopefully, the Raiders won't trade Crosby in a couple years!).
However, one takeaway from this season has been the Raiders inability to make second half adjustments. You can scoff at that statement all you want, but there's no other explanation for the Raiders ineptitude in the third quarter, scoring only 27 points in the third quarter thru 16 games. That has to be an NFL record and demonstrates a pattern of ultra conservative play calling that haunted the Raiders most of the year.
So the Raiders end up with the #12 pick in the 2020 draft, and the #19 pick from the Bears. Have to believe one of those picks will be a WR. Unless one of the top LBs fall to the Raiders, they probably pick a CB with the other first rounder.
Thankfully, it was a big season for many young players like Crosby, Renfrow, Mullen, Moreau and Jacobs, and with Abrams in the wings. With two seasons under Gruden now in the books, that's an impressive group and a solid foundation of young talent to build around.
Welcome to the Las Vegas Raiders!
Another good statistical day for Carr, but not much to show on the scoreboard.
A late Td and a bunch of field goals. Yes, should have a Td earlier in game, but Carr has been a Raider long enough to know that Refs will rob Raiders if given any chance.
Interesting game. Raiders blew plenty of opportunities and the refs made sure they didn't score a TD in the first half. Ingold most definitely broke the plain.
Carr was inconsistent, and most of his yards come after the catch. I think what bothers me most is that he tends to throw underneath when he should be looking down field. James Lofton pointed this out at least twice when the Raiders were well in FG range... why not take a chance down the field instead of throwing for an extra 4-5 yards?! Nope!
I honestly believe Gruden wants to open up the offense more and it's Carr who often holds back.
Seeing Gruden hug Guenther after the game says it all... Geunther will be in Vegas despite presiding over a horrible defense for the past 2 years. I'm not saying it's all on Guenther but obviously the Raiders will believe it's a personnel issue. The D did play hard the last few weeks.
My initial thoughts are to dump Carlson - who is not a clutch kicker - and every WR not named Hunter Renfrow. WR and LB are huge needs during this off-season. Please, no more trades with the Steelers!
Happy New Year!
NYR...I agree it's Carr holding offense back. he can't seem to get the ball to the WR's down the field. Only if they run short, underneath routes.
We used to wonder why Amari Cooper would disappear from offense for long stretches. Well Cooper doesn't seem to disappear in Dallas.
it looks like it was Carr that made Cooper invisible.
00 - I've said this since Carr was drafted; he's not a drop back QB. Carr played his entire college career in shotgun formations, throwing 50 TDs in his final season. His most successful year in the NFL by far was when Bill Musgrave was his OC and allowed Carr to play out of the shotgun almost exclusively.
It's obvious Carr does not see the field as well when dropping back, and now he's become rushed by his own fear of getting hurt again, e.g., the 3rd down ball he threw into the ground on Sunday with no immediate threat of getting hit.
What's worse, Gruden will not play to Carr's strength. It's a square peg in a round hole problem.
Maybe Gruden and Carr can figure it out, but let's not be fooled by Carr's high percentage passing or yards this season. Sunday's game was a perfect example. Short passes and most yards after the catch. Over 400 yards of total offense and only 15 points. Raiders kicked FGs after Carr threw short passes on 3rd downs instead of going for 1st downs or TDs.
It's a much bigger problem than just adding a couple decent WRs can solve.
Maybe Gruden and Carr undertake serious introspection this off-season... who knows. I expect Carr to start in Vegas but I also anticipate Gruden will make a more concerted effort to have a Plan B at QB. That could mean hoarding more QBs (again!) at roster cuts to 53, maybe even drafting one in the first two days of the draft.
The Raiders success hinges on this process.
Carr was not inconsistent, his WR's were. They dropped so many passes off their hands and shoulders. The biggest play was the TE screen to Waller, who ran 72 yards; but the Raiders couldn't punch it in. The play-calling was atrocious by Gruden, especially in the Red Zone, it was so predictable and vanilla.
Raider00, Amari Cooper is being blasted by the media here in TX for "disappearing" for the last 7 weeks before showing up against the Redskins. There are a lot of rumblings on local Sports Radio that the Cowboys will not re-sign him and draft a WR. Cooper is a great talent, who appears to be lazy, and it is starting to show. Cooper is being compared to Dez Bryant (good talent, disappears in games for long stretches, and too many drops).
NY, you hit the nail on the head, Gruden will not play to Carr's strength. This is why Gruden gutted the whole team, including the O-Line; because Gruden does not know how to coach to player's strengths. He is a system guy. He has a system, and runs with it. If you cannot play his system, you are shown the door. Carr has shown that he can play under Gruden's system (which is dink-n-dunk). Gruden does not want to go down field, Al Davis forced him to do so in his first go round. Go back and look at his time with the Bucs; he did not go down field. All big passing plays were after the catch yards. Carr is taking a lot of unnecessary heat for Gruden's play calling and system. Case in point, watch the reaction of Carr to Gruden after those 3rd and short plays, and he passes short of the first down marker. Carr comes off the field frustrated, and Gruden shrugs it off. If it were Carr making these decisions, Gruden would be in his ear; and he is not.
There are times in the season, and they have been minimal, where Gruden is in DC's face; but the majority of the time, Gruden is shrugging off DC's complaints. Why? Because this is Gruden's system, these are his play-calls. Completely disagree that this is on Carr, this is all on Gruden.
Nate, I think both inconsistencies are true, i.e., Carr and his WRs. How does an NFL QB miss a wide open Hunter Renfrow running to the end zone?
Meanwhile, even his most reliable receivers, Renfrow and Waller, dropped passes Sunday.
It's perplexing.
Just a prediction, but it wouldn't surprise me if Jay Gruden was the Raiders OC next year.
Maybe he can figure out how to score in 2nd half of games!!
S&B Q&A with Raiders writers. At least two picked the Raiders coaching staff as the biggest disappointment this season. Other disappointments included giving up draft stock for mid-season WRs who were complete failures.
Here's the link to S&B article.
https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2020/1/2/21039842/s-bp-roundtable-the-offseason-is-upon-us
Plenty of blame to go around for 2019; and while there has to be some optimism going into 2020, many Raiders fans are still teetering on whether the glass is half full or half empty. Still as many questions as there are answers.
QB?
WRs 1 and 2
RB 2
RG (Jackson jumped the shark after coming back from injury)
LBs 1, 2 and 3
Defensive Coordinator?
CB/S (at least more depth)
kicker
I would also like to add offensive coordinator... but that's not gonna happen.
Here are my early draft/FA thoughts and Rumblings:
LB-Raiders are in desperate need of LB help. Many people are predicting the Raiders to draft Isaiah Simmons (LB, Clemson); but I am not sure he will be there when the Raiders have their first pick. If so, I'd agree, depending on what happens in Free Agency. Outside of Simmons, there is not a real standout LB. I think Gruden looks to Free Agency for defensive needs. Cory Littleton (LB, Rams) or Whitney Mercilus (LB, Texans) would be a great move here, along with re-signing Will Compton who came in and stepped up at MLB. Not too mention, Burfict's suspension has been lifted (I think the Burfict signing was why AB wanted to leave, to tell the truth), and we could re-sign him and that would pretty much take care of the LB crew with Marquel Lee, Whitehead, Morrow for depth.
DE-the same can be said for DE. Brentson Buckner (the DLine coach) tweeted something interesting on New Years. He said basically he is not going to spend time with those who don't want to be here as much as he does with those who want to be here. That tells me there are a few players on the DLine that will probably be gone. Mayowa is a FA, but he hasn't done much in his time here. Jacksonville's Yannick Ngakoue (DE) would be an absolute awesome signing. If he signs elsewhere, I don't think Chase Young drops out of the top 6 in the draft, but Yetur Gross-Matos (DE, Penn State) would be a great pick up in the draft.
S-This is another area that can be better dealt in FA than the draft. If the Raiders do not re-sign Joseph, I'd like to see them go after a ball-hawk Safety like Ha-Ha Clinton Dix (Bears) or Devin McCourty (Pats).
CB-Either FA or draft works here, but it would be later rounds in the draft. I don't think we break the bank for Jalen Ramsey, but maybe we can lure Chris Harris away from the Doncos. There are also decent CB's that we can lure for good money like EJ Gaines (Bills), Bashaud Breeland (Chiefs), and Mackensie Alexander (Vikings).
WR-The only name in FA I'd chase is Robby Anderson (Jets), other than that I look to the draft for a #1. A lot of excitement from most pundits about CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma) and Jerry Jeudy (Bama) and rightfully so. I'd be happy with either of these 2. Another name that we can get in the second round, who has great potential to be a #1 is Antonio Gandy-Golden (Liberty). He is 6'4", and in 2019 posted 70 receptions for 1,304 yards and nine touchdowns, and 71 receptions for 1,037 yards with 10 touchdowns in 2018 (waltersfootball.com). Senior Bowl and Combine will be a huge indicator of what kind of speed he has; but keep your eye out for his name.
Those are my initial thoughts on the area of "need" that I see in the draft and free agency. As the offseason gets closer to the draft, you know I will share my thoughts. Hope you all had a tremendous holiday season and Happy New Years Raider Nation! May your 2020 be filled with unexpected blessings for you and your family. Much love!
That's a lot to digest. I have a few thoughts on it...
- I hope Whitehead and Morrow are done, but I fear they'll both be back.
- Raiders can't afford to bring back Burfict and rely on him. The NFL isn't going to allow it.
- Simmons almost certainly will not last to #12.
- Chris Harris is getting long in the tooth. Hopefully, he finishes his career in Denver and we benefit from his decline.
- Mayowa started strong but kinda disappeared. I think Jordan is a better option, and Key will be back.
- fortunately, draft is deep in the Raiders greatest position of need... WR. Legit #1 WR talent should be available at #19 and definitely at #12 if need be.
At the same time, early rumors are Raiders might be interested in AJ Green. But Green is another long-in-the-tooth player. Rather go with young talent.
In my post above I said RB2 was a need but I forgot the Raiders still have Crowell. He's a legit back (who needs to secure the ball better) and will make fans forget about Richard and/or Washington... and allow Jacobs to get more receiving opportunities.
Happy New Year!
NY,
It is a lot to process, and that is what makes it fun. :D
Chris Harris is 30, which is long in the tooth in football age, but he still has at least 5 years (barring injury) left where he can be effective. He is definitely a better option than Worley. This is also why I added others like Gaines, Breeland, and Alexander.
I like Whitehead more for his run stopping and tackling abilities. Not a lot of players get by him once he lowers his shoulder on them. His primary weakness is pass defense, but he has a knack for being around the ball and making tough tackles. He did better at MLB for us, than he did as OLB with the Lions/and with us. If we re-sign Compton and Burfict, I'd like to see him rotate in running situations with another OLB for passing downs; or possibly move him to DE.
On that note, totally forgot about Dion Jordan, and definitely forgot about Arden Key being hurt. Though Key was playing better before injury, he still had a knack of over-pursuing his plays on occasion; and I think he will be challenged by Crosby and Jordan for playing time.
I think we lose D'Washington at RB to free agency and keep Richard who is better at blitz pick up in passing downs. I'd be surprised if we got rid of both, but would understand why if we did. Although I would like to see Jacobs in the passing game, I also like Richard there too. The only thing is if we keep Richard and Jacobs, we'd need a guy like Crowell, or a bigger back to help with short yards. We need a Wheatley-type back, I big downhill bruiser!
I don't like the rumors of AJ Green, he basically quit on the Bengals this season as a "healthy scratch" when it came to game time. I am tired of picking up players who quit on their former team, and we don't need him. That is why I didn't mention him in the WR spot. I (like you) would rather draft a WR or 2 in the first round.
I'd like to add something substantial but, like the Oak talent, I did not show up for the games. It's Goodell's fault. The sport is dying a slow, miserable death. Go OakLAOakLV. I am out.
OTBlues...you are correct. I used to be a die hard football fan. Now really just a casual observer that spends zero dollars on the NFL product. Raiders seasons usually end early, so it frees up my time for other things, sorry to say.
NFL is all about the T.V. money. That's why they keep coming up with new ways to slow down the game. Stop the action. Add more rules for more "instant" replay. It's just more chances to stop the game, lengthen the game, to stick in more ads, which means more revenue. The flags are flying in every game, and the NFL product now really sucks.
It's a total cookie cutter league now. Yes there are winners and losers, but aside from that, teams do not have the distinctive, character they once had. In other words, I suppose one day the Raiders might be winners again, but can you imagine that they will ever really be like the Raiders again? The swagger, the toughness, the distinct way in which they played the game. The exciting, deep passes. The hard hits, the great rivalries. It can never happen again the way the NFL is now. It's sad.
Think about it. 20 years the Patriots have been winning, and what are they known for? Belichick & Brady, and that's it. Who is the Pats great rival in the league? I can't think of any, can you?
Of course my perspective is someone that started watching football in 1974. Maybe younger fans actually enjoy this big mess of a league. Hard to believe it, but why else would powers that be continue to ruin this once great game.
Whatever the Raiders do this off season, please just stay away from OBJ. No more crazy WR's are needed.
Nate, IMO Whitehead has been just good enough to fool his coaches, and that's why he played 100% snaps on defense most of the year. But did you notice the Raiders defense got notably better toward the end of the season... when Whitehead lost his full-time job to Compton. As Whitehead snaps diminished, the Raiders defense got better. I don't think that's a coincidence.
Whitehead isn't just bad in coverage, he's been statistically among the worst. He went thru an epic stretch since being a Raider that he didn't defend a single pass. He sucked with the Lions. Sure, he makes a lot of tackles. He did that with the Lions too.
00 - I hear ya about the league, globally. But IMO part of our frustration is that we've also witnessed epic failure by the Raiders.
The Raiders were once perennial winners and won 3 super bowls in a short span. Since then, and I hate to say this but, the Raiders have become a generational failure. 15-20 year-old's only know the Raiders as a really bad team. If the Raiders make any noise at all in Vegas, that's all younger fans will know. The Las Vegas Raiders might as well be an expansion team (to younger fans). It will be tough to keep their history in view.
But who knows, the brand could grow. I can't blame Davis for moving the team. Oakland didn't want the Raiders, and Vegas rolled out the red carpet. Davis went from having one of the lowest franchise valuations to one of the highest valuations... even before winning any games. That's impressive, and unquestionably smart business. Unfortunately, it doesn't do us any good.
NY, I hear ya on Whitehead, and agree. I don't think he has played to his potential; and I think the coaching staff saw it this year, and see him as a stop-gap player until they can find someone better. I think they found that in Will Compton; but I do think Whitehead is valuable as a back up. Maybe that will light a fire in his rear to do better. Players do not like to be demoted. I think Whitehead is all about the money, and protecting his brand over being an above average player. He is average, he does enough to showcase his abilities, but doesn't go "all out." We had people like that in High School, wanting to be just good enough to get to college and play; but not too much to risk injuries. This is Whitehead to a "T". To me, that is the definition of a pine rider.
OTB and 00, it is not the same league. The new QB rules and how to tackle the QB has ruined this league and made it soft. I get the "No-hits-to-the-head" rules; but they are not consistent with that. Cam Newton, we've seen DC hit in the head multiple times without penalty, Lamar Jackson has taken shots without penalty, and others. But barely put a finger on Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Pat Mahomes' helmet, and you will be thrown from the game for intentional targeting.
But the whole "You-cannot-tackle-the-QB-with-your-full-body-weight" rule is absolutely stupid and defies all physics. That rule needs to be dumped. IF the QB cannot handle a great tackle from a player, they don't need to be in the League. This is a Tom Brady rule because he's fragile.
OTB, I agree this is Goodell's fault, and unfortunately, won't change until he vacates the office, which may not be for a long time. Goodell is the Bud Selig of football.
Nate, I believe Whitehead has played to the best of his ability. As you said in another post, he's always around the ball. IMO, it's because of his excellent conditioning and high energy that Gruden/Guenther left him in games for all defensive snaps.
He's decent around the LOS and no question makes some good plays. But his liabilities, especially in coverage, far outweigh his strengths. At best, he should never be on the field in 3rd and long situations. Raiders will be much better off finding a more versatile LB.
IMO, Raiders should keep Compton as a rotational/backup LB and replace all others. LB is as urgent as WR in terms of position of need.
Watson to Taiwan Jones (using his speed) just made a game winning play. Bills had a great season but it just came to an end. Two young, mobile QBs.
To be sure, Gruden is contemplating Carr's replacement... whether or not it happens.
Not sure how it works, signing players out of the league. Who gets priority? Or is it a free-for-all.
I assume that guys like this should be on the Raiders radar.
From PFT: Packers sign WR Reggie Begelton... Begelton comes to the Packers off a big year for Calgary in the CFL. He caught 102 passes for 1,444 yards and 10 touchdowns in his third season in the Canadian league. Begelton became Lamar’s all-time leader in catches and receiving yards before embarking on a professional career.
Again, this type of player seems like an obvious need for the Raiders, who have been creative getting other players.
Here is my list for team needs, and who I like via the Draft and Free Agency.
LB-Free Agency: Corey Littleton (Rams, ILB), Shaq Barrett (OLB, Tampa, and could also play DE), Kamalei Correa (ILB/OLB, Titans), Nick Kwiatkoski (ILB, Bears), Nicholas Morrow (re-sign, OLB), Will Compton (re-sign, ILB),
Draft: Isaiah Simmons (Clemson, OLB), Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma, OLB), Anfernee Jennings (Bama, ILB), Malik Harrison (Ohio St, ILB), Troy Dye (Oregon, ILB)
WR-Free Agency: Robby Anderson (Jets), Breshad Perriman (Tampa)
Draft: CeeDee Lamb(Oklahoma), Jerry Jeudy (Bama), Antonio Gandy-Golden (Liberty), Justin Jefferson (LSU), Tyler Johnson (Minnesota), KJ Hamler (Penn St), Jalen Reagor (TCU)
DE-Free Agency: Yannick Ngakoue (Jacksonville), Jadeveon Clowney (Seattle), Dante Fowler (Rams), Matt Judon (Ravens)
Draft: Yetur Gross-Matos (Penn State), AJ Epenesa (Iowa), Jon Greenard (Florida)
CB-Free Agency: James Bradbury (Carolina), Byron Jones (Cowboys), Mackensie Alexander (Vikings),
Draft: Jeff Okudah (Ohio St), Trevon Diggs (Bama), Troy Pride Jr (Notre Dame)
S-Free Agency: Karl Joseph (re-sign), Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix (Bears), Anthony Harris (Vikings)
Draft: Shaun Wade (Ohio St), Kyle Dugger (Lenoir-Rhyne)
DT-Free Agency: Chris Jones (Chiefs), DJ Reader (Texans), Javon Hargrave (Steelers), Michael Pierce (Ravens)
Draft: Derrick Brown (Auburn), Raekwon Davis (Bama),
Can someone message Gruden to please trade Carr and whatever draft capital needed to Bengals for their #1 pick? Joe Burrow is a QB machine. Set an NCAA record with 60 TD passes in a season, then lit it up in post-season. He had 5 TD passes and ran for another in the biggest game of his life.
The Bengals are set for a generation with this kid at QB.
Plenty of other talent in the Championship game last night. LSU WR Chase caught two long TD passes in full stride, as well as a short TD pass all in the first half. Again, here's a kid performing at the highest level in the biggest game of his life. And, unless I was seeing double, he played both sides of the ball.
LB Simmons was good but not good enough to stop Borrow and his TE Moses, who Simmons was mostly responsible. Simmons had his moments but Murray might be a better fit for the Raiders with his speed and motor... and he might be available when the Raiders pick #19.
Raiders will be drafting from LSU and Clemson rosters... you can bank on it.
Raiders fired Brenston Buckner, the D-Line coach to hire Rod Marinelli former DC of the Cowboys. Not happy about this move.
Raiders in the HoF bias continues as Flores and Cliff Branch snubbed again. I am so angry that Flores and Branch did not get in this year. HoF is a joke.
Flores is definitely more deserving than Cowher, and Cliff Branch and Drew Pearson (Cowboys) are way more deserving than Carmichael. Flores and Siefert are the only coaches with 2 Super Bowl rings to not be in there.
Let's not forget that Lester Hayes, Todd Christensen, Phil Villapiano, Otis Sistrunk, and Jack Tatum all belong in the Hall too.
I don't like the coaching change either. Buckner was a tell-it-like-it-is coach on Hard Knocks. I think Marinelli may be a fallback DC if Guenther gets fired next year, which is a possibility. As it is, Gruden may make him assistant HC (which he did once before).
The HOF snub is beyond explanation. Those are some of the greatest players and HC in the history of the Raiders... and the NFL. There shouldn't even be a discussion.
So, we are watching Andy Reid, using pretty much same offense as Grudens, going to super bowl.
Difference is, Reid has a Qb that can beat you with arm, or legs. Gets outside the pocket and makes big plays from broken plays. The kind of things Gannon used to do, although Mahomes is much more athletic than Gannon was.
Point is Derek Carr sits in pocket, and throws ball to whoever runs the shortest route underneath. Time and again, this is what we see.
Nate, I would include Dave Dalby in HOF discussion. Was the center on 3 super bowl championships. Died tragically at a very young age. Great player on great teams. Should be in hall.
Forgot about Dalby, NY, good call. So many great Raiders that would be in the Hall if they were on a different team. It's a travesty.
00 gets credit for the Dalby selection. That was a good call. Raiders played how many years with only two centers in their history, then relied on Robbins for many years after.
Here's an interesting stat can't be overstated. I needed to read this twice and I still don't believe it.
Raiders used 8 LBs this season and they combined to finish with...
0 sacks
0 forced fumbles
0 fumble recoveries
and only 9 pass deflections.
That's epic failure and largely explains why the Raiders defense can't get out of neutral.
I know Whitehead is a Gruden guy, and he's a cool and likable dude, but another season with Whitehead and other past or present LBs is another season the defense is doomed to fail.
From what I understood so far, the 2020 draft is not deep with LB talent. The Raiders really need to make it a priority.
Simmons will be gone by the time the Raiders draft but this kid, Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma is fast and physical. Apparently, he thrives in coverage and can run to cover the edge.
With all the depth at WR for the 2020 draft, Murray should probably be the Raiders top pick! Because something has to change at LB.
PS I hate that the Chiefs are playing in the SB. That stings!
How about this trade....Carr to bears for Trubisky.
Trubisky fits in better with Grudens offense. he can move his feet, run, and throw. Not as polished as Carr, but overall, a better fit.
What do you guys think ?
00, sounds like you're wishing for Brad Johnson. But the Raiders don't have anything close to the 2002 Bears' defense... so another "Brad Johnson" isn't the answer, IMO.
Even with a workable defense in 2019, the Bears offense fell apart at times, just like the Raiders. BTW, the Bears D was a TD per game better than the Raiders.
My opinion is, Gruden needs to figure this out. No excuses!
I hate the notion that the Raiders offense is being pigeonholed into a system that can't accommodate a good QB. Carr was lights out in college and proved he could play at the same level in the NFL under Bill Musgrave.
NFL is a QB league. It's always the same guys in the end... although we are seeing the new generation taking over this year. Maybe Carr doesn't have the x-factor. But Mahomes is no fluke. Raiders will have to deal with him for many years.
Here's the answer: Joe Burrow is going to be a superstar in the NFL. He's the quintessential modern QB. Raiders should trade Carr and whatever draft capital they need to the Bengals for the #1 pick.
Joe Burrow to Vegas!
PS. If you watched the playoffs you saw dynamic offenses, something the Raiders were completely void in 2019. Offense is Gruden's gig. He needs to figure this out. Play calling, halftime adjustments, etc....
NYR...I just don't see any way the Bengals trade the top pick. Raiders must face the fact that in AFC, Mahomes, Burrow, & Jackson are standing in the way.
I don't see Mitchell Trubisky as Brad Johnson. I think Johnson was 34 years old when he beat Raiders in 2002. Trubisky is a young Qb with a lot of ability, coming off a down season, and so maybe the Raiders can pry him away.
Check out Trubisky vs Dallas this year. he was tremendous, throwing, running, making all kinds of plays. trouble is he doesn't do it all the time. But man, at times, he reminds me of a young Rich Gannon more so than Brad Johnson.
There's no doubt that at this moment, Carr is better than Trubisky, but I think Trubisky has much more upside, and fits in to Grudens offense because of his mobility.
We will see in the super bowl if 49ers with good Qb, great running game and defense, can beat the superstar QB, Mahomes. if so, that is the blueprint the Raiders must follow, because I don't see any superstar Qb's in Raiders future.
I just meant that Trubisky isn't going to light up any scoreboards. Not sure why but he couldn't even succeed with a good Bear's defense.
Regarding the Bengals, everything has a price.
Hot take:
Tom Brady will start for the Patriots and Derek Carr will start for the Raiders in 2020!
Brady and the Patriots are a Dynasty. Carr and the Raiders are barely cohesive.
Joe Burrow might be out of reach but you can be sure Gruden would make that deal if he could (and I would support it 100%).
As it stands, Gruden will be traveling to Vegas with his 2019 stockpile of want-to-be NFL QBs... Peterman, Kizer and Glennon, and whoever else he can find. Carr is the clear starter by default, but that's a far cry from being irreplaceable.
Several mock drafts show Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma as a Raiders 1st round pick... and not #12 but picking him with their #19 pick.
Almost all mock drafts have Raiders taking a WR with #12, and most of those are CeeDee Lamb, also from Oklahoma. Two Sooners!
At a couple of mocks will have the Raiders taking a QB in round 1 but that's not happening unless it's Joe Burrow (and that's not happening!). I could see Gruden drafting a QB in the middle rounds, because he's a QB hoarder.
Lamb and Murray would be solid (smart and safe) picks in Round 1.
I meant to post this earlier. It reveals some little known facts about Carr's season. It's easy to say had a decent season because of his 4000+ yards, high percentage passing, and he only threw 8 INTs. Respectable, for sure.
But this stat is pretty revealing: Carr had 4.9 Average Completed Air Yards - ranking 35th out of 39 qualifying QBs, behind mediocre QBs like David Blough, Joe Flacco, Mitch Trubisky, Case Keenum, and Gardner Minshew.
That speaks to scheme or system as much or more than it does to Carr directly. But it's hard to forget Carr throwing the ball away on 4th down, and fumbling into the end zone for the second year in a row.
Plus the author points out Carr's inability to win cold weather games... which I have first hand knowledge. I had the displeasure of attending the Jets game this season and watched the Raiders total incompetence on a cold and rainy day.
Not sure if I have a preference to keep Carr or go another direction. The only thing I am certain is that 2020 needs to be the season of no more excuses! The excuses tour hopefully stops in Vegas!
First and foremost, I am saddened by the passing of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and the other 7 that were with him. I cannot think of a superstar passing in an untimely manner that has impacted the world since Roberto Clemente. Maybe it's because I'm not thinking clearly about it because I'm still numbed by the news. In my opinion, Michael Jordan was the only player better than Kobe.
With that said, Bucky Brooks put out his first Mock, and has the Raiders taking CeeDee Lamb over Jerry Jeudy. I'm not sure what to think about that. On one hand, as a Raider, I have a bitter-sweet taste of Alabama WR's thanks to Cooper. Cooper had so much potential, but as the Cowboys are finding out, does not have the work ethic. Most of Alabama's players that become pro seem to have the same attitude. Yet, on the college field, I think Jeudy is a better player than Lamb. Jeudy has a more smooth route-running ability that will quickly translate in the NFL (again, if he puts the work in). Whereas, Lamb is more physical and explosive after the catch.
Again, I'd be happy with either one, but if I had to choose between the two, I'd choose Jeudy.
His second pick for us is Kenneth Murray out of Oklahoma. Not sure about this pick either. He got lit up by LSU. I would really love to get Isaiah Simmons, but I think he will go in the top 10, so unless we trade up, I'd be surprised if we had the chance. I still think the Raiders are better off filling this spot in Free Agency than the draft and use their second pick on a CB like Kristian Fulton (LSU), who is a true man-to-man CB like C-Wood and Asmougha were. This is the type of CB the Raiders desperately need. Because to beat a QB like Mahomes (who relies on quick routes) is going to take tough man-to-man coverage on the WR's, and man-zone with the LB's and Safeties. I also wouldn't mind picking another WR with our second pick. But we will see.
So So sad about Bryant and his daughter and everyone on that flight.
__________
My understanding is the draft is ripe with WR depth but not at LB. Simmons and Murray are the two top guys.
Wr's ??, Yeah the Raiders need Wr's, but I do not see Wr's carrying the day during the playoffs.
I see defense, and offensive lines, TE's, and Qb's carrying the day. I would be very disappointed if both Raider #1 picks are not used for defense.
Raiders have to stop talking about building a defense, and actually do it. If draft is so deep with Wr's, take one in the 2nd or 3rd round.
Mayocks mission this off season...Build a DEFENSE!!!!!!
00 -
I agree about the need to "finally" building a defense. Raiders have failed miserably in free agency and in the draft to find play makers at LB.
When Whitehead came from the Lions, he led them in tackles. But he also failed them much the same way he's failed the Raiders, in coverage and forcing errors.
I posted this above but it's so extreme, it's worth posting again:
Raiders used 8 LBs this season and they combined to finish with...
0 sacks
0 forced fumbles
0 fumble recoveries
and only 9 pass deflections.
That's epic failure and largely explains why the Raiders defense sucks!
I am saying it right now. IF (and that's a big IF, IMO) the Raiders sign Tom Brady, and get rid of Derek Carr, I will hang up the Silver and Black until Tom Brady is no longer in the Raiders organization, and maybe even until Gruden leaves the organization! I'd hate Gruden forever if the Raiders did this! This report pisses me off. The Tuck Game is what made Brady's legacy. If that is ruled a fumble, as it should have been, Tom does not have the career he has today. I don't want that jack @$$ on our team.
Josh Jacobs, Darren Waller, Max Crosby all got screwed last night, especially Jacobs. So let's recap the offseason so far: No Cliff or Tom Flores in the HoF, no individual awards for the Raiders, and rumors of Tom Brady in the Silver & Black. Can this offseason get more disturbing?
Brady to Raiders isn't gonna happen. That makes no sense. Carr is 28 and Brady is over 40, right?
I've been down on Carr at times (e.g., throwing a ball away on 4th down is stupid! stupid! stupid!), but largely blame coaching and scheme for much of his failure. How does it not make sense for Gruden to dial it back to 2016 and see what led to Carr's biggest success in the NFL?
Knock on wood and bring back Bill Musgrave!
I agree NY, Brady to the Raiders is not going to happen. The only "wildcard" to this is Gruden himself. I mean, after all, he did get rid of Mack. So I wouldn't put it past stupid.
I also agree that DC's play has digressed since Musgrave left the building. The problem with bringing Musgrave back is that he does not fit Gruden's system. I have said it since he was hired, Gruden's problem is he is a system guy, and cannot/does not know how to game plan around the strengths of his roster. It is "run this system or get out of the way" with him, and that is why he is not a good coach, not even above average at this point. It should also explain a lot as to why he doesn't make adjustments to his game plan during a game.
I don't know what has been worst this past decade, the Doncos winning the Super Bowl, or the Chiefs? I will say congrats to the Hunt family (the founders of the AFC). I mean if they hadn't founded the AFC, then we don't have the Raiders. Note too, this is where the rivalry really began; Al Davis becoming the Commish of the AFC over Hunt (the founder of the AFC), and merging with the NFL. Hunt hated Davis for that move, but they both have benefited from it greatly. The good news of all of this, is there really good news? Yes, it is a new year for the League today. Everyone is back to 0-0, but we still have to listen to Chiefs fans until we knock them off their throne.
IMO, it's not just the throne of being SB champs. It's much bigger than that... Mahomes is the man, until he's not. This kid is only like 24 years old. He and Andy Reed might be the next NFL dynasty.
Even the 49ers with Nick Bosa, Richard Sherman and their outstanding defense couldn't stop Mahomes when the game was on the line.
In order to beat this kid, Gruden will have to be better than his .500 career record and his first two seasons in Oakland.
What the Raiders do over the next few months, with Mayock's help, can make a big difference next year. They need to build their defense to beat Mahomes. They need more speed!! Especially at LB.
That means getting rid of some dead weight. IMO, only Crosby, Mullen and Abram should be set in stone on defense. Everyone else is replaceable, and some are just expendable.
It should be interesting. And when it starts up again, it will be in Vegas. Still haven't come to grips with that...
Count me in as not understanding the Raiders interest in 42 year old Tom Brady. This makes no sense whatsoever.
If Brady leaves the Pats, he needs a team that is ready to win now, and just a Qb away. That is not the Raiders. The Raiders have a lot of work to do on defense, passing game, and special teams. They are a work in progress, and far, far, far, from finished.
If they need Brady to sell tickets in Vegas, I guess I can understand that.
But to get rid of Carr to bring in Brady for one, maybe two years. I don't get it.
With the Raiders so publicly stating their interest in Tom Brady, isn't it a huge "No Confidence" vote for Derek Carr ?
How do the Raiders bring back Carr under these circumstances ?
So are the Raiders starting year 3 of the Gruden show with a Qb controversy ?
00
Gruden looking for a new QB is a given. Carr knows, and he dealt with this last year during the draft. However, I agree that flirting with Tom Brady takes it to a whole new level.
I'll say again, I don't think replacing 28-year-old Derek Carr with 42-year-old Tom Brady is the answer... for much the same reason I said that Antonio Brown wasn't the answer last year. AB and Brady are luxuries for a good team which the Raiders are not....
Raiders still need a defense!
But we learned last year during the cuts to a 53-man roster that Gruden is a QB hoarder. He can't help himself.
If it's not Brady, it will be someone else. This isn't going away.
Andy Reid won the SB in his 7th season as Chefs head coach. Right from the beginning you had the sense they were building toward something. Even with Alex Smith, they were a playoff team.
Starting year 3 of Gruden, and possibly starting over at Qb with 42 year old is not encouraging.
Brady would be there more to sell tickets and jerseys than to win games. I'm not seeing a great overall plan in the works.
I would be stunned if Brady signed with the Raiders... or if the Raiders even pursued him. That would, as you say 00, demonstrate that the Raiders do not have a plan.
IMO, best case for the Raiders is another drop-the-mic lights-out draft by Mayock and Gruden to show us last year wasn't a fluke. That's the most encouraging thing I can imagine.
In terms of QB, I don't see any better or more viable option than to stick with Carr. However, I would sign with the devil to get Joe Burrow. Not sure what it would take but it could mean both 1st round picks this year and one next year.
Burrow is the antidote for Mahomes.
Need proof? Raiders could trade defenses with the 49ers and still not come close.
NYR...I agree, it looks like idea is to stick with Carr and surround him with more weapons.
As I said before, I would swap Carr for Trubisky. A risky move, but I believe Trubisky has more upside, and fits better in Grudens system because of his mobility.
I don't see any Rich Gannon's out there, and Gruden is not the type to draft a rookie Qb and groom him.
I'd love Burrow too, but we're looking at giving Carr, 2 #ones, Maxx Crosby, and additional picks, and even that might not be enough.
00
3 first-round draft picks should be enough to get Burrow. That's unprecedented. Raiders only received two for Mack. Plus, as you suggest, include Carr with that deal. They get a young QB (at a very fair salary) plus 3 first round picks.
Frankly, Bengals would be stupid to make any trade... but I hope Mayock is at least on the phone with them.
This is an interesting and pretty informed take on NFL QBs. The author seems to agree with sticking with Carr... with no mention of a blockbuster trade for Burrow.
https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2020/2/5/21123508/ranking-derek-carr-among-all-starting-nfl-quarterbacks
Informed take? total nonsense.
In what world is Garoppolo, Tannehill, Goff, Mayfield---lol, Murray, Allen, Brissett--wtf, Minshew---wtf, Trubisky----I just puked, better than Stafford. Wait Rivers is 6 best lol, better than Jackson or Watson maybe 5 years ago
This is where you get your news and opinions from BD Williams joke
Relax, Jones. It's someone else's take... I never took credit for it, nor did I entirely agree with it. I found it interesting. Tough to find much content this time of year.
Stafford has had some of the best WRs in the NFL and that hasn't gotten him anywhere. Maybe that's a lesson for the Raiders. Drafting and signing a top WR isn't gonna be enough!
Rumors are that the Bears are talking about trading Khalil Mack. Until that happens, they still got the upper hand on Gruden for that deal.
The problem with the Bears and Mack right now, is they are using Khalil at OLB position instead of DE, because they run a 3-4 defense. He needs to be on a 4-3 defense, at DE. Yes, he can cover slot WR's and TE's in passing situations, but he is a disruptor of the game, and needs to be at DE.
The Bears are reportedly asking for 2 #1 picks, or #1 pick and 2 #2 picks, or a combination of picks. Ok. I hope a team like Giants, Cardinals, Titans, Bills, Saints, and Eagles figure out a way to get him cheaper. I think he'd do awesome on one of those teams. I don't think Gruden is game on calling the Bears for him at this point. (Sigh)
I don't know, Nate. The mere idea that the Bears might want to trade Mack suggests that Gruden got the best of that deal. Mack moves all around their line.
Raiders should offer a first (the Bears own pick)... maybe throw in a third.
Las Vegas Raiders defense would be supercharged with Mack back, playing opposite Crosby.
Plenty of cap space.
The Bears are trying to salary dump because they know they need a QB. Gruden will not take Mack's salary, though I like the offer. I would also add that the trade be contingent on the Bears paying Mack all of his guaranteed, and Mack renegotiating his current contract.
Mack played all over their line, but not consistently. As much as he rushed the QB last year, he also dropped back in coverage. So the Mack/Raiders' D-Line comparisons didn't really mount to anything. It would have been more fair had Mack rushed the QB every down like he did with the Raiders. But he was mostly lined up as OLB, not DE.
I think the Bears are trying to sign a QB, but need the cap-space and money, so the easy target is Mack. I think they should target Bridgewater, Mariota, Brett Hundley, or Phillip Rivers for a few years, and draft a QB and groom him under Rivers. But I think the first three I mentioned are good potential starters for the Bears that would be better the Trubisky. Those 3 are also QB's they won't have to break the bank for, and could possibly keep Mack. With Rivers, it gives them potential to win now as he trains a younger QB to step in the role in a year or two, much like what KC did with Alex Smith/Mahomes.
Oooo! That is a fourth option that nobody is thinking about. Alex Smith is back training to make a come back. Is he a potential starter somewhere (not named Washington)? He would give the same experience as Rivers, but cheaper. This is going to be fun to watch!
Or the Bears could trade another first round pick (2021) to the Raiders for Derek Carr, and Gruden could load up 3 first round picks in a trade with the Bengals to secure Joe Burrow.
Sounds extreme but the only way to fight fire (Mahomes) is with fire (Burrow).
Raiders need an X-factor, and it's pretty much proven that Mack (or some other blue chip non-QB player) is not it.
It's a QB league. It used to be Tom Brady, with secondary guys like Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers.
Even if the Raiders did get rid of Carr for Burrow (or Brady for that matter), I don't think we are a playoff team. Derek Carr is a competent QB, and we don't need to ship him off. I think we are a #1 WR and a better defense on the line and at LB position away from being a contender. One "guy" is not going to put the Raiders in the playoffs, let alone the Super Bowl.
I said it when Del Rio/McKenzie came aboard, and I think it is worth noting here too. Al Davis built his defense on speedy CBs who can play tight man coverage. I think that policy still works with how offenses are transitioning with teams like the Chiefs/Mahomes. But, I think Bilicheck has the right idea as well, you also need speedy Linebackers that can cover. We need a shut down CB like CWood and Asumogah who can play tight man coverage from the line of scrimmage; but we also need a speedy OLB like Romanowski that is going to lay the wood and can cover TE's and RBs coming out of the backfield. The 49ers had a great plan to contain the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, but with Jimmy G going 3 and out the majority of the second half, he wore out his stout defense. The way to beat the Chiefs/Mahomes is to have that same stout defense, and allow the offense to stay aggressive for 4 Quarters. You build that kind of defense with tight man coverage on the outside with CBs, and speedy LBs and hard hitting Safeties. We have the hard hitting Safeties with Jonathan Abrams, and if we re-sign Karl Joseph; we need the speedy Linebackers, and a stronger D-Line built around Mad Maxx!
Here is a list of Free Agents I would target to help build our needs:
DT - Javon Hargrave (Steelers), Chris Jones (Chiefs), DJ Reader (Texans), Michael Pierce (Ravens).
DE - Matt Judon (Ravens), Yannick Ngakoue (Jags), I think we would have just as good value at this position in the draft with Yetur Gross-Matos (Penn State), and Robert Quinn (Cowboys) who signed a 1-year contract for less last season to be with Marinelli.
LB - Corey Littleton (Rams), re-sign Will Compton, Kevin Pierre-Louis (Bears), Kamalei Correa (Titans). Draft: Isaiah Simmons (Clemson), Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma), or Anfernee Jennings (Bama)
CB - Byron Jones (Cowboys), James Bradbury (Panthers), Mackensie Alexander (Vikings)
Draft - Jeff Okudah (Ohio St), Noah Igbinoghene (Auburn)
WR - (More in the draft than FA) Robby Anderson (Jets) would be the only one I'd be interested in with Free Agency.
Draft - Jerry Jeudy (Bama), CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma), Laviska Shenault Jr (Colorado St) who is 220, has speed, and can use his weight to get off the CBs, and Antonio Gandy-Golden (Liberty) who is my steal of the draft in the mid rounds that I am watching. I think if he goes to the combine, his stock will rise. This guy is a stud!
This is what I am watching for. If Mayock/Gruden build these areas, we have the potential to be a playoff team. If they put this together, and Carr struggles, then yes, let's talk about replacing Carr. But imagine what the Raiders would have done if they didn't get screwed by AB. We wouldn't be talking about replacing Carr, he would have been in consideration for MVP. I think Brown had it set in his mind to leave when the Raiders signed Burfict; he took that as a slap in the face and started looking to get out of his contract (frostbite, helmet issues, and fighting Mayock) after that signing.
I agree, Derek Carr is a competent QB, and I'm okay sticking with Carr and trying to make a run. I also agree we need speedy coverage CBs. Hey, it's a team sport!
But all that doesn't beat Mahomes and the Chiefs.
IMO, anything less than an X-factor QB is setting up for failure. The 49ers went into the Super Bowl with the better, more rounded team and got beat in the 4th quarter by a QB who their defense couldn't stop.
Carr is not an X-factor QB. He might have been in 2016 but he's kinda jump the shark since then, and Gruden is not Bill Musgrave calling plays.
Gruden is touted as being a QB guy. Well, he needs an X-factor QB.
I'll be disappointed if the Raiders pursue Brady. Carr is a far better long-term option. Brady in a new system? In Gruden's system? No thanks! I'll stick with Carr.
I think Carr still has it, and is light years better than Jimmy G with Sad FranchiseCo 49ers. If the Raiders can build a defense around Mad Maxx, and add a #1 WR to our current offense, we will beat the Chiefs. We don't have the speed at LB, and our CBs play too soft. Need to get up to the line and punch their WRs in the face, and get aggressive.
I am not opposed to Gruden/Mayock drafting a QB in the later rounds though. Get past the glitz of Burrow, Tua, Herbert; and look at QB's like Jake Fromm (Georgia), Jacob Eason (Washington), Deondre Francois (Hampton, my dark horse QB in the draft. He also played for Florida St before transferring), Anthony Gordon (Washington St). These lower-tiered QBs are not as flashy, but can give Carr a run for the money, and with Gruden can be developed into something special. Out of this list, I really like Eason, then Francois, and then Gordon. I think Fromm will be ok in the NFL, but it will depend on where he lands.
I don't get you guys; 00 wanting Trubiski over Carr and Nate suggesting Carr is light years better than Garoppolo. First, you guys are polar opposites on Carr.
IMO, Carr is, at best, comparable to Garoppolo, but probably not as good. Both had about the same QB rating this year, but Garoppolo is a winning QB. He's a guy who took a losing 49ers team and immediately sent them on a long winning streak after coming from the Pats. The 49ers struggled when he was injured. Then he posted 13-3 record this year and took them to the SB. He's an accurate passer and not afraid to stand in there and throw the ball downfield. His average yards last year was 8.4, and career is 8.3. By comparison, Carr posted his best season at 7.9 (mostly YAC) and has a career average is 6.9. That's a significant variance.
Trubiski is just not that good, and certainly no X-factor. He managed on 17 TDs in 15 games this past year, and posted an 83 QB rating, below his already poor career rating of 85. I get it, 00, that you want a system QB but, IMHO, he is not the solution for the Raiders.
To me, Bridgewater is an intriguing option, but that might be a lateral move for the Raiders.
I still fall back on 2016. I'd rather have Musgrave calling plays than to replace Carr. But we know that's no an option.
The only barn burning, pull all stops option, IMO, is Joe Borrow. Otherwise, Carr is still the man. He seems willing to take Gruden's sh*t and work hard at his craft.
GO Las Vegas! (Free agents welcome! Zero state income tax!)
The only reason why Garoppolo would even be in this discussion is he has better WR's who have a better Yards-after-Catch stat, that inflates Jimmy G's passing stats (especially Yards/Attempt), but the 49ers relied HEAVILY on their running game, especially in the post-season. Carr had a 70.4% passing rate, to JG's 69.1, which is a HUGE difference considering that DC threw 106 more passes than JG. DC had 5 less Interceptions, had 20 more rushing yards on 19 less attempts, and took 65 less snaps than JG this season. DC threw 54 times over 20 yards to JG's 61, DC threw 10 times over 40 yards to JG's 8. Carr's Yrds/Att is 7.9 to JG's 8.4, but again, the 49ers as a team averaged 12.2 yards/pass to the Raiders 11.2. This is more reflective of how Gruden and Shannahan call plays, and yards-after-the-catch by the WRs. Don't forget, Shannahan called more WR Screens that went for first downs than any other team. For instance, the Athletic reported after their game against the Cardinals, the 49ers had 281 yard after the catch out of 317 passing yards! That reflects more of the WRs than JG. DC's passing yards are mostly him passing, his WRs catching; not a lot of Yards After Catch for the Raiders!
It also says a lot about Shannahan trusting his running game more than JG in the playoffs and Super Bowl, and look what happened in the second half when he decided to let JG pass, they went 3 and out quite a bit, and ended up blowing the lead and losing. There is no comparison to DC and JG, DC is the better QB, hands down; and if Gruden/Mayock get real WRs for him that will get YAC, then DC will be dangerous!
There is no comparison between Trubiski and DC. Trubiski is this generations Jay Cutler! However, I agree that Bridgewater is an intriguing option for the Raiders. I've always loved TB, he is a good dude in real life too! I think he has the potential to be like Russell Wilson, he's that good. The Saints have a difficult decision to make with Brees, Bridgewater, and Taysom Hill. If Brees comes back for one more year, I think the Saints lose Bridgewater and Hill. However, if they decide to move on from Brees, who do they re-sign?
If we look at Free Agency for a backup QB, I'd bring in TB, but also Brett Hundley, Case Keenum, and Mariota. But in all honesty, I think Teddy B is looking to start somewhere. We should also see what happens to Cam Newton, if the Panthers cut him or not.
I think the Raiders should give DC a #1 WR, see how they do this season, and if he performs poorly, then go after Trevor Lawrence in the draft next year (who I think will be better than Burrow). I am salivating to see what the Raiders can do with a decent line up on both sides of the ball though, especially with DC. Just my opinion though.
I still love this site, and I like all the opinions here. I don't want to discourage anyone from expressing their opinions, never have. I love the banter about the team we all love. It's awesome! Much respect to everyone, and JUST WIN, BABY!
Agreed! It's just discussion. I never understood the emotion that comes from some over simple disagreement. That said....
Nate, what are you saying? 70.4% completion is a huge difference to 69.1%? Carr threw most of his passes within a couple yards of the LOS. Of course he has high completion percentage and low interception ratio.
IMO, you're overthinking the stats. I would say, go back and look at the 9ers record when they acquired Garoppolo and after. The guy was a major spark plug.
Bridgewater is not a mobile QB like Wilson. Two different styles. I would say Bridgewater is more like Carr but he probably throws downfield with better accuracy... something which Carr has been slipping.
Honestly, FA QBs are as boring as they sound. Hundley? Keenam? Mariota? Yuck! Best case, any would be a lateral move and not good for the Raiders because it's a step backwards in terms of learning Gruden's system.
Gruden and Carr are married... unless Gruden does something extremely bold!
Cheers!
70.4 % given his Attempts as compared to JG's attempts, yes, that is a huge significance. If JG has as many attempts as DC, his % would be lower to the 60's 58's. Both QB also threw within a couple yards of the LoS; the 9ers WRs had more YAC. Not overthinking the stats, just putting them together with a complete picture.
Bridgewater isn't as mobile because he tore his ACL and MCL a few years ago, but he can still truck. I think Bridgewater has better vision of the field/WRs than Carr; but both are about the same on long throws. What I saw from Carr toward the end of the season was reminiscent of 2016, taking the team on his back and making things happen. I am hoping Gruden lets him open things up this next season.
Out of the FA QB's, I think Hundley is a dark horse QB. He did well with the Packers when Rodgers went down, and did well in Arizona. In fact, I thought he should have started all of last season for the Cardinals and sat Murray for a year. I think Hundley would do well as a starter. He and Bridgewater remind me of Rich Gannon with the Vikings and Chiefs. All 3 have come off the bench to lead their team to the playoffs, been cut, backup for another team, lead their team to wins while starter was out. Gannon finally got a chance with Gruden and look what he did. Bridgewater and Hundley still waiting for their chance.
All that to come full circle. With DC and JG, and Bridgewater and Hundley, it is not so much about stats; but fundamentals, film watching, and work they put in at the position. DC, Bridgewater, and Hundley have above average QB Mechanics and fundamentals. People were saying the same about Tannehill in Miami for years, but the Dolphins couldn't get wins. Tannehill moved on to Tennessee, and look what happened there. Hundley boring? If you really believe that, then you really haven't watched him. Keenam has been able to adapt, and much like Foles, is more comfortable with a spread offense (which is why I thought Jax was a bad place for Foles). But Keenam would make a great backup. Whereas, Bridgewater and Hundley should be starting somewhere.
Nate,
JG career percentage is 67.5%, so I don't understand the notion his percentage would go way down with more pass attempts. IMO, the big picture is that Carr and JG went in opposite directions over the last few years. One got worse as a starter and the other got better and led his team to a SB.
Regarding FAs, we're only talking about second tier QBs. Guys that might thrive if the stars align for them.
Do you want to beat Mahomes?
For me, the Jets game is etched in my memory banks. The Raiders were grossly unprepared, Derek Carr was horrible, and Jon Gruden was powerless to affect anything. The practically winless Jets looked like world beaters against the Raiders.
That's the hurdle the LV Raiders need to get over.
Hundley lol on what planet is he Gannon. Career rating of 58.5 9 td and 14 int. He did well with Packers? He sucked with Packers losing record and a 70 rating. Guy will not be in the nfl next year. Very silly
Who should play QB for the Raiders next year? As of right now, my choices are:
1. Joe Burrow from LSU (he's not JaMarcus Russell!)
2. Derek Carr
After that, the options drop way off, IMO. Some long-in-the-tooth top tier FA QBs out there but getting older at the QB position is probably a mistake.
A 3rd option is to draft someone with serious skills to possibly replace Carr in the next year or two.
Alright, I am officially concerned about the Raiders' plans with DC as QB. Mayock, at the Combine, just said they are happy with Derek at QB, but if they can improve they will. I refuse to believe that Tom Brady is an improvement at this point in his career, and it is obvious he wants to remain in NE.
Now he did say a lot of positive things about DC, but he said the disconnect was in scoring. The Raiders could not score! But that is not all on DC either. His WRs could not get separation in tight places. Yes, DC missed openings as well; but it was a complete offensive failure, more than one person. That is the message I got from Mayock, but let me reiterate; the overall feel of his message was not positive for DC. Especially when you compare what he said about DC to not only what he said about Mad Maxx, but his demeanor in what he said about both changed when he spoke of Mad Maxx.
With that said, I do think there are better, more flashy QBs in the league; but the questions you have to ask yourself as a HC/GM are:
1 - How does your QB handle pressure to make tough 4th Quarter plays? I.E. Dak Prescott has a tendency to make weak throws in the 4th Quarter. One game last season, he skipped a swing pass to Elliot. Dak has a tendency to handle pressure well at the beginning of a game, but digresses as the pressure is consistent throughout the game.
2 - Is he a game manager? Does he play at a high level? Is he the leader of the group, shows awareness of the game clock, and gets everyone on the same page?
3 - Can he lead the team to score? This is the #1 question that Mayock/Gruden have with DC right now. But again, his team chemistry has changed every year with the exception of 2015-16; and his improvement in the 2016 year is unparalleled. Gruden and Mayock both know this too; which is why they are not getting rid of Williams. But they should consider bringing back Crabtree, along with drafting a speedy WR. Get someone who DC is familiar with and can help him get his confidence back. AB derailed that in DC last season (more on AB in a moment).
4 - Can he lead the team to win games, and eventually the SB? Not every QB in the NFL is Patty Mahomes or Tom Brady. But you don't have to be. Dilfer and Foles are examples that you don't need a flashy QB to win; you just need a QB who can protect the football and do the above 3! Tannehill proved that this season as well.
Now to AB. Mayock was asked about his thought on AB returning to the Raiders. Mayock had a VERY STRONG answer: "I don't have much to say about him. He had his time with the Raiders, and his time there is up." BOOM! I don't think Mayock likes AB very much.
The only person who suggested AB could be back in a Raiders uniform is AB. It's NOT gonna happen. Raiders would have massive egg on their face.
Carr put up decent stats last year but didn't play well far too often. His status has been up in the air almost since the Gruden arrived. That's not going to change.
IMO, the QB position is on Gruden (and Mayock) to figure out. If they replace Carr, they better get it right... or risk looking like fools.
Carr is replaceable. So viable options exist.
Been thinking about QB more, reading about free agents. IMO, if the Raiders don't make some blockbuster trade to get Joe Borrow (Borrow is my first, second and third choice), then they should probably try and sign either Ryan Tannehill or Teddy Bridgewater. Both these guys would likely be better than Carr behind the Raiders top-notch O-line.
Tannehill was really good down the stretch, and he outplayed Carr by a mile in their head to head matchup. Bridgewater went 5-0 and was a game manager for the Saints.
I'm still ranking Carr ahead of Brady but neither one is probably the answer for the LV Raiders.
I'm really struggling with this... still having trouble getting past Carr throwing the ball away on 4th down with the game on the line. That lacks savvy needed to play the position.
Gruden will likely entertain a lot of QB options.
#1-I think the only way we get Burrow is if the Bengals draft him, and then trade him to the Raiders for Derek Carr, and future picks. I don't think Mayock breaks the bank to draft him.
#2-If this happens the Raiders will not be good this year. DC is a smart QB who knows Gruden's system, and for a rookie to come in and take over as QB under Gruden is just not going to happen. The last rookie QB under Gruden was Chris Simms, and Gruden loved this kids talent, but Chris never amounted to a hill of beans under Gruden, and ended up in early retirement because of a busted spleen.
#3-DC started playing better at the end of last season, and seemed more comfortable with Gruden's system. He started improvising more, making plays himself, and we had a glimmer of what he did in 2016. I think this was a sign that Gruden was letting him open things up a bit. He even said it in a Presser, that he wanted to see DC open things up for himself and not be so regimented. Well, have we considered the fact that DC was so regimented because he felt that is what Gruden demanded of him? Gruden is a control freak, and wants things his way; which is why he cannot coach to a player's strength. That makes people feel and play regimented as they try and get comfortable with his system. At the end of the day, I think Gruden wants his players to do whatever it takes to win; but he would rather win with his game plan and not improvising every down. If you get off script, he wants to know what you saw, and why you made the decision you made. Gruden wants full control, and that is intimidating to players, especially the QB.
#4-The only college QB that I really see excelling under Gruden right now is not in the draft, and that is Trevor Lawrence (Clemson).
So this brings us to Tannehill and Bridgewater. Tannehill is Trent Dilfer 2.0. His career was dead in the water, and he ended up in Tennessee where he took care of the ball, made careful reads, and relied on Derrick Henry. The only difference, Dilfer made plays in the playoffs, and Tannehill couldn't get over the hump against the Chiefs.
Bridgewater improvises, and Sean Payton's system is a spread offense that he can adjust to the strengths of Brees, Bridgewater, and Taysom Hill. Bridgewater is an amazing talent, and I think he would give Carr a run for his money at the starting position, but right now, he and Drew Brees are the only ones who I think would do it. I don't think there is another QB that can come in and run Gruden's offense better than Carr with those 2 exceptions. But if either Brees or Bridgewater came in, Gruden would have to make an adjustment to his system by utilizing the Spread more. In fact, I think if Gruden did that with Carr, we would see an improvement from DC. But again, this isn't about the player's strengths, it is about Gruden's system, and Gruden's way.
According to Walter Football.com, here are the college players the Raiders have met with so far:
Combine
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State; Ross Blacklock, DT/3-4DE, TCU; Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU; Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State; Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah;
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma; Jordan Love, QB, Utah State; Netane Muti, G, Fresno State; Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State; Patrick Queen,LB,LSU; Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama; Josh Uche, 3-4OLB/OLB, Michigan
Senior Bowl
Akeem Davis-Gaither, OLB, Appalachian State; A.J. Green, CB, Oklahoma State; Benito Jones, DT/NT, Ole Miss; Larrell Murchison, DT, N.C. State; Jason Strowbridge, DE/3-4DE, North Carolina
East-West Shrine
Michael Danna, DE, Michigan; Austin Edwards, DE, Ferris State; Cordel Iwuagwu, G, TCU; James Morgan, QB, Florida International
An interesting name that I don't see is Jerry Jeudy. This tells me one of two things:
#1-the Raiders have all the information they need on this kid, and he is their target of choice. #2-the Raiders aren't interested in him.
There are, however, some real interesting names on here. Austin Edwards (DE, Ferris State) is real intriguing. I want to see film on this kid. Josh Uche (LB, Michigan), Akeem Davis-Gaither (OLB, Appalachian State), Jason Strowbridge (DE/3-4DE, North Carolina), Jordan Love (QB, Utah St), and Larrell Murchison (DT, NC State). I think they are really looking at late round value; which tells me that they have their first round picks pretty much solidified.
I think our #12 pick is going to be Isaiah Thomas. I know he had a terrific combine, and his stock is high among the media/scouts; but I think once we see individual workouts, he will slide. I am also open to the possibility of the Raiders trading their #12 and a later round pick to move up and get him; while keeping their #19. If the Raiders can't move up to get Isaiah Thomas, and he doesn't slide down to our spot, they will select Jeff Okudah (CB, Ohio St)
Their #19 will be CeeDee Lamb (WR, Oklahoma) or Patrick Queen (LB, LSU). The only way this doesn't happen is if Jerry Jeudy is available, and I think he will be selected in the top 10-15.
A player to watch in the 2-3rd round is Noah Igbinoghene (CB, Auburn). He is 5'11", 200 LBS, and with the depth at CB and LB, he is under-rated at his position for someone with his athleticism. He would do well opposite of Mullen on the outside, and we would have 2 shut down corners for years to come.
Nate,
Burrow is generational talent. He's got "it." Take a look at his college stats, and his ability to not just win big games but excel. Bengals won't trade him as they know they will immediately improve, and so would the Raiders with Burrow (just like they did in Carr's Rookie season). I certainly wouldn't call adding Burrow a step back from 7-9.
Two years ago Tannehill played behind the Dolphins O-line. Imagine for a second how bad Carr would have been in the same boat... 2018 Raiders O-line.
Yes, the Titans didn't beat the Chiefs, but neither did the 49ers. And the Chiefs handled the Raiders twice last year without breaking a sweat.
One thing we know about Carr is, he can't play in cold weather. That's a huge problem. Honestly, that alone might change my mind about pursuing Tom Brady.
As for Bridgewater, you can't sneeze at the 5-0 record he posted while Brees was injured. Many pundits suggested Saints should have stuck with Bridgewater.
Bottom line, I'm getting mixed emotions about retaining Carr. You can be sure Gurden is working overtime looking at his options at QB... now and in the future.
NY, these same "pundits" said the same thing about Johnny Manziel coming out of A&M. Look, there is no denying that Burrow did some amazing things last season, but where was he the last 2 years for LSU? Generational players are consistent with their play, i.e. Bo Jackson. Burrow has not had a consistent College Career of being good. In fact, the majority of his college days have been tremendously horrible! Collegiate scouts were surprised by how well he played, and gave the credit to the OC, not Burrow. This got the OC a job with Carolina after they hired Matt Rhule. Burrow is not a generational player, that is media trying to hype him up, just like the did Johnny Manziel.
I'm not saying DC doesn't have his flaws either, every QB does. What I am saying is that DC is the best choice at this point of running Gruden's system.
I'm not sneezing at a 5-0 off the bench record for Teddy B. I love Teddy B, and think he's getting jobbed that he's not starting somewhere. But, I credit that more to Sean Payton's spread system that he runs, which Teddy ran in Minnesota and did well in. Gruden does not run a spread system. I said the Raiders are now about Gruden's system, without Al this time. Gruden is running the show. It is his way or the highway with the kind of system he runs on offense. He will not change to fit the strength of a player; and that is why I think Teddy B would be a lot like Derek Carr under the Raiders; because both are spread offense QB's. The only difference? We wouldn't have to wait 2 years for Teddy B to get accustomed to Gruden's system because we have DC who already knows it.
Burrow switched schools and, yes, put up some pedestrian numbers his first year at LSU. College is a time of maturation.
60 TD passes in one season was a NCAA record - not to mentioned 5,600 yards. Where are you going to find that at any level? Then he passed for 5 TDs and ran for another against Clemson in the college championship. Maybe it was smoke and mirrors but he looked pretty unstoppable.
You don't want to call that generational. Ok. I get it. But his numbers last year are unmatched in NCAA history.
Manziel (6') is a punk. Burrow is prototypical, 6'4" stands in the pocket and delivers strikes. If Raiders have to hire LSU OC too, that's fine with me!
Do you want to win games?
If Gruden has no flexibility in his system, we are doomed to lose, regardless of who plays QB. Even bad teams like the Jets were schooling the Raiders offense last year. That can't continue and leave us with any expectation about winning.
It's certainly not a reach to suggest Burrow is a step forward for any team that would draft him... be it replacing Dalton or Carr. Carr's failures far outweigh his successes since 2016.
What will be truly unfortunate is if we are having this same conversation about replacing Carr next year.
Raiders appear to have released Whitehead. If so, that's the single best move they've made thus far as the Las Vegas Raiders. Sure, Whitehead is a cap casualty but, hopefully, it's more than that. Whitehead is arguably the worst cover LB in the NFL... which is hard to believe considering the gym-rat physical conditioning that he prides himself on.
Whitehead truly has been a model citizen but the Raiders need to do so much better in the middle of their defense.
This opens the doors for a significant upgrade.
Raiders did release Whitehead, who just said farewell on his Twitter handle. Christian Kirksey (LB, Browns) is visiting the Raiders today. But don't get too excited, he has played 9 games in the last 2 seasons.
Personally, I would like to see the Raiders pursue FA LB from the Patriots, Kyle Van Noy; who just declared himself from the "Honey Badger Mold". Here is what the article on nfl.com says:
"The Lions shipped him to New England because they couldn't figure out what to do with him. The Pats welcomed him and saw him as a guy who can do everything. And so, over the course of three-plus seasons, he's done it all for the Pats -- run stopping and tackling in space (a career-high 92 tackles in 2018), pass coverage (nine passes defensed as a Patriot after only one as a Lion) and attacking the quarterback (a career-high 6.5 sacks this past season after being moved to a hybrid linebacker/ defensive end role)."
NFL in talks of postponing the draft. Come on people! WASH YOUR HANDS! No reason to freak out here! News from the cruise ships where people were quarantined said they recovered from drinking Gatorade. Coronavirus is listed as a common cold! I don't think we need to panic, and over-react to this. However, I do think it should be mandatory to where body condoms in public.
The draft is a TV audience and mostly handled by teams at their own facilities. Plus, it's over a month away. Would hate to see it delayed. Worried too about baseball. This really sucks!
Raiders reached pretty far past Rams' FA Littleton to find a suitable MLB. Good news is they won't be relying on Burfict, who is one play from being banned from the NFL for life.
Raiders still need speed at LB but this is a very encouraging read from Bears SB Nation:
"Whenever the Bears needed the 26-year-old [LB Nick Kwiatkoski], he seldom disappointed. He proved himself dependable, responsible, and even occasionally capable of an impact play or two. A 2016 fourth-round selection, Kwiatkoski was a developmental pet project turned successful starter for the Bears. After 184 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and eight quarterback hits in 57 appearances and 22 starts (most of which came in relief), it’s clear Kwiatkoski is ready for a full-time promotion. No one ever said the final product would spend the prime of his career on Lake Michigan."
Sounds promising. He's leaving the Bears on the way up... but he was also being replaced by Danny Trevathan.
Raiders sign Marcus Mariota. This was rumored but not completely believable until now. I'm not a huge fan of Mariota, who lost his job in TN to Tannehill, but he is potentially as good as Carr and may push Carr to be better (in order to keep his job).
The Raiders agreed to terms with Rams’ linebacker Cory Littleton.
Raiders making a splash in FA...? They're busy!
YES YES YES TO ALL 3 SIGNINGS!!!! Love these moves by the Raiders! I am surprised by the move the Texans made, giving away the best WR in the game and a 2nd rounder for David Johnson and a 4th rounder; that should cost O'Brien his job. Especially after what the Vikings got for Diggs from the Bills, who also signed Josh Norman!
Panthers have signed Teddy B and have allowed Cam to seek a trade. Cowboys overpaid for Cooper, Dak, Elliott, and their O-line and don't have enough space for a defense.
This offseason has started off with a bang! I'm totally happy that the NFL has not suspended activity. This helps my sanity! Stay safe everyone. JUST WIN, BABY!
Raiders signed Cowboys defensive tackle Maliek Collins. Kid is only 24 and he's started 55 straight games for the Cowboys.
They also signed Jason Witten, which is a little weird and could mean the end of the line for Carrier.
Geez! This is crazy! Right?!
Raiders clearly had a plan to upgrade their roster.
Raiders are killing it so far! This is great! Love Mike Mayock right now!
Finally! The end of a dynasty in NE. What are the Patriots going to do without Brady? They will be looking for a new QB, which could mean a blockbuster trade in the making. If the Raiders were to trade Carr and end up starting Mariota, that would truly be a step backwards.
Brady and Mahomes have proven that the NFL is a QB league.
If you think the Raiders can get to the SB with a "game manager" QB then they'd better be outstanding at every other position.
I'm still hoping Raiders somehow end up with Burrow, but there also are other intriguing QBs in the draft. I don't think signing Mariota is enough. We need a long-term plan at QB.
IMO, Gruden is not done. He is too consumed with the QB position to just sign Mariota and call it a day.
Meanwhile, we are about to witness just how pedestrian the Patriots can be without their star QB.
This just in: Raiders sign 15th and 16th T.E.'s to roster!
Agree that's a little strange. Hoarding TEs isn't something you'd expect, nor does it makes sense for a team that was 100% set at the position. And I think Whitten gets his AARP card this year.
Some pundits are suggesting the Raiders will trade down from #19 to get back into the second round... after trading their 2nd round pick to the Bears for their 1st round pick.
That's a bit ironic. Sure they'll get another later round pick too but with all the talent at WR and other depth in this draft, wouldn't it make more sense to draft a top-20 talent in the nation?
Raiders desperately need a CB to play opposite Meullen. Worley got torched at times last year... but still he's probably better than Apple, who the Raiders just signed. Worley knows the Raiders defense, and he can play safety.
Hope everyone is staying healthy and safe.
Just looking at the list of Raiders free agents, both signed and unsigned, and I think the Raiders could have brought back 2-3 of their own FAs inexpensively instead of, or in addition to some of their modest free agent signings.
Will Compton was the Raiders best LB last year, except for maybe Burfict who is toast in the NFL. Compton deserves another shot!
Mayowa was strong early in the season but fell off and lost snaps later in the season. Not a big deal.
Dwayne Harris is the best (and smartest) returner in the NFL, and it's probably not close. Losing him will be a step backwards.
Isaiah Crowell is an interesting FA. He's a proven starter at RB and could be an excellent 1-2 with Jacobs. But the Raiders signed Rob Smith..?
Jordan Devey was a solid backup OL. That's depth the Raiders should not dismiss without a solid plan. Not sure they have one.
Daryl Worley may be a necessary evil. He's probably the best FA CB out there that the Raiders could afford. Eli Apple has grossly underachieved his draft selection. Worley had a rough year last year but shined the year before. Raiders best bet was probably to keep Worley and draft a CB.
Aghorlor will not survive the 2020 season. He is known to drop passes and Gruden will have no patients for that (how many WRs did Gruden dump last year?). Raiders have no choice but to draft a WR in Round 1.
Looks like they are pretty much done until the draft.
Until then, be well.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention Dion Jordan. Am I the only one who thought Jordan had a little something going on around the edge? IMO, he's better than Arden Key... but it's probably close. Jordan has a little more experience, and I think he's a little bigger, right?
I don't think Algholor was happy in Philly last season. His production dropped, and wasn't targeted like he had been under Foles. 2019 he caught 39 passes out of 69 targets (56.5%). 2018 (under Foles) he caught 64 out of 97 targets (66%). In 2017 (again under Foles) he caught 62 out of 95 targets (65.3%). 2016 under Wentz, he caught 36 out of 69 targets (52.2%), and 2015 under Wentz, he caught 23 out of 44 targets (52.3%). The most targets in a game he has had under Wentz was 2019 Week 3 (vs. Detroit), he had 12 targets and 8 catches. The least he has had under Wentz was Week 4 (@GB) where he had 1 target and 0 catches.
The most targets under Foles was 2018 Week 2 (@ Tampa) he was 8 of 12 targets, and Week 4 (@ Tennessee) he was 5 of 12 targets. The least was 1 for 1 in 2018 Week 11 (vs NYG) under Foles.
The one thing I notice with his time in Philly that is consistent is that he gets a lot of targets early in the season, and then his production drops; with the exception of 2017 where he had fewer targets at the beginning of the season under Wentz, and exploded when Foles replaced him. and when Foles came in, his stats and targets doubled! This sets up a few scenarios in my mind:
1-He and Wentz were not on the same page.
2-He got lazy as the season went on, and saw he wasn't getting targets
3-He was injured and playing through an injury last season (He only played in 11 games)
4-He was unhappy overall with the playcalling, and didn't seem to fit with the team anymore.
5-A combination of the above.
I personally think it was time for a change of scenery. If you go back and look, he wasn't getting a lot of calls his way. I don't think he and Wentz got along. Let's just hope he connects with DC. If not, they should try and trade him to the Bears with Foles.
IMO, Algholor is just adding to a long list of WRs like Ryan Grant, JJ Nelson, Trevor Davis, Zay Jones, and others that Gruden burned through last year. Algholor is known for dropping passes, and Gruden will have zero patience for that.
WR and CB are still major needs.
So I haven't made any Draft predictions yet, which is unusual for me. In the past, I've had 3 or 4 by now. But I am ok with this as most "Draft experts" have only 1 or 2 Mocks right now. The problem is the only information we have to go by is the Scouting Combine. There have not been any public team workouts of players they are evaluating; they have all been done over the phone, internet video (i.e. Zoom), and other ways. So there are no media scouts with real time information as to who teams are looking at. This makes it difficult to pick which players are on the rise, which players' stocks are falling, or which position groups are going to be targeted early in the draft. So I am doing my Raiders draft based on my views of what I think will happen, which players will fall, which positions will be targeted early, and who the Raiders have signed in the FA market.
I think the positions that will be targeted early and often in the draft is WR and OLB/DE players. With that in mind, here is how I think the Raiders draft will play out:
1st Round #12-CeeDee Lamb (WR, Oklahoma). A lot of former Raiders, including Tim Brown, Jerry Rice, and Napoleon Kauffman; are touting Lamb as the Raiders' next WR. I agree.
1st Round #19-I think the Raiders trade this for a lower 1st Round pick, and get back into the second. But for the sake of simplicity and keeping it "as is", I think CJ Henderson falls to the Raiders here at 19.
3rd Round #80-Bradley Anae (DE, Utah). With all the depth at OLB/DE players, the Raiders get a true 4-3 DE here, who has tremendous athleticism, strength, and power.
3rd Round #81-Noah Igbinoghene (CB, Auburn). Here is a lockdown CB who drops in the draft due to the depth of the CB position. I think this is one steal of the draft for the Raiders who will further solidify the secondary.
3rd Round #91-Shane Lemieux (OG, Oregon). With rumors that the Raiders are looking to trade Gabe Jackson, and the O-line really thin at depth, I think the Raiders look to strengthen the O-Line. Lemieux would be an excellent fit at Guard.
4th Round #121-Matt Peart (OT, Connecticut). After Trey Adams, there are not going to be a lot of OT's worth looking at, but I had my eye on Peart as a possible UFA after the draft, but I have a hunch that his stock is secretly rising. With the Raiders needing depth help at the OT position. Peart is a steal in this draft at this position.
5th Round #159-Either Matt Hennessy (OG/C, Temple) or Akeem Davis-Gaither (OLB, Appalachian St). I like Hennessy here because of the O-line depth the Raiders need, and he would be a solid backup at Center if Hudson were to go down. I would also be happy with a solid OLB who can cover in passing situations like Davis-Gaither can. He has 101 tackles, 5 sacks, 8 pass defenses, and 1 interception in 2019.
Peart, Hennessy, and Davis-Gaither are potential star players in the League that are overlooked due to position depth in the draft. Any other year, they are probably in the top 3 rounds of the draft. What are your thoughts?
Eli Apple walked away from the Raiders, who used the $$ to sign Damarious Randall (DB, Browns) for 1 year, $3.25 million. CSNBC says, "The 27-year old played free safety his last two years with the Cleveland Browns and cornerback the previous three with the Green Bay Packers."
He has had at least 4 INT every year except last year, but only allowed 13 receptions and had 6 PBU's.
Bargain shopping continues for Mayock.
I'm happy this worked out the way it did. Apple was not an upgrade over Worley, who is still available. Randall is being called a center fielder. Something the Raiders do not have outside of some flashes that Erik Harris gave us last year. Joseph is a hitter but not as good in coverage.
This is interesting:
"[Carr's] average pass in 2019 traveled just 6.2 yards past the line of scrimmage, per SIS. That’s the second-lowest throw distance any starting quarterback has ever posted over a full year since 2015...."
I don't blame Carr entirely. Gruden is calling the plays. Regardless, if this doesn't change, Raiders will continue to face an uphill battle.
My draft predictions don't usually go beyond the first round, and it's based almost entirely on what I've read or highlight packages I've seen... which only present the very best of a player.
Based on that, I predict the Raiders take WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama with the #12 pick, even if Cee Dee Lamb is available. What I've read is that Jeudy is polished and more ready to step in and play immediately, even if Lamb has more upside. That has to appeal to the Raiders.
At #19, I don't think the Raiders trade back because the best they can do trading back is acquire a late 2nd-rounder, when they already have 3 third round picks at their disposal. IMO, they need to utilize the value of their #19 pick.
I don't believe FL CB CJ Henderson will fall to them at #19. Maybe they grab him at #12 and go for the best available WR at #19.
With demand so high for QB, OL and DL, there is a long list of top talent that could fall to the Raiders at #12... and even at #19.
"With demand so high for QB, OL and DL, there is a long list of top talent that could fall to the Raiders at #12... and even at #19."
I would add that the demand for QB, OL, and DL so high, and not a lot of good depth at those positions, is why I think CJ Henderson could fall. I think the big focus in the first 2 rounds, however, are going to be on WR, OLB/DE, and DL; maybe 4 QBs taken in the first two rounds, and the same with OL and CB.
When I did my draft a few days ago, the Raiders were working deals with Devey and Cush, and confirm that Andre James, Denzelle Good, Lester Cotton will battle for depth /reserves positions. So the Raiders are overload at the O-Line position now, unless they trade starter Gabe Jackson. If they do that, then Devey and Good will battle for the starting spot. So that has me rethinking my draft thoughts.
Again, with teams privately chatting with draft prospects, and watching private videos of workouts, it is difficult for anyone to get any kind of perspective of where people are going to fall in the draft, or what teams are thinking.
An interesting thought I heard on our local sports radio this week, was the Dolphins have 6 picks in the first 3 rounds this year. They could offer their 2 of their 3 first rounds #5 and 18), and a 2nd (39th overall) with the Bengals for the #1 overall pick and select Burrow. They would still have a 2nd round pick too. It wouldn't hurt them at all to do something like that. The broadcaster who talked about that played in the NFL (Rod Babers), and said it was being touted around by some league officials as a possibility.
Nate, that's quite a ransom but I don't see the Bengals trading #1 pick for any amount. Borrow is a good bet to be the franchise QB they need.
I like Gabe Jackson but he is no longer a good match for the Raiders. He's a bulldozer and, unfortunately, doesn't fit well in the Raiders zone scheme. Good and Devey were both solid replacements, and either could probably start.
Could the Raiders get a 2nd round pick for Jackson?
Here are is my thoughts on the draft after reading about the OLine.
1st Round #12-CeeDee Lamb (WR, Oklahoma) or CJ Henderson (CB, Florida). If the Raiders think CJ Henderson falls to 19, then they pick up CeeDee Lamb here. If they don't think CJ Henderson falls, then they pick him.
1st Round #19-I think CJ Henderson falls here, but if they pick him at #12, I think they go Henry Ruggs III (WR, 'Bama) here.
3rd Round #80-Bradley Anae (DE, Utah). With all the depth at OLB/DE players, the Raiders get a true 4-3 DE here, who has tremendous athleticism, strength, and power.
3rd Round #81-Noah Igbinoghene (CB, Auburn). Here is a lockdown CB who drops in the draft due to the depth of the CB position. I think this is one steal of the draft for the Raiders who will further solidify the secondary.
Here are where I make changes.
3rd Round #91-Akeem Davis-Gaither (OLB,Appalachian St). 6'1", 224 lbs, runs 4.68, 40. He has 101 tackles, 5 sacks, 8 pass defenses, and 1 interception in 2019.
4th Round #121-Antonio Gandy-Golden (WR, Liberty). He is 6'3", 222lbs, ran a 4.6 40, so he is a little slow, but is a terrific route runner. In this league, great routes equates to separation, and being open. He had 69 catches for 1,066 yards and 10 touchdowns last year; and his junior year had 71 receptions for 1,037 yards with 10 touchdowns.
5th Round #159-Either Matt Hennessy (OG/C, Temple). I still like Hennessy here because he would be a solid backup at Center if Hudson were to go down.
My crystal ball is very murky after the first round, maybe the first pick. But it's safe to say, Raiders draft one of these WRs...
Lamb
Jeudy
Ruggs (fastest in the group but does that really mesh with Gruden's dink and dunk offense?)
Raiders may also end up with one of these guys...
CB Henderson
LB Murray
LB Queen
possibly CBs Fulton or Diggs
There's a very slight chance Raiders could trade up (possibly use both 1st round picks) and get:
LB Simmons (who Guenther and Mayock both gasped when they saw his Combine 40) or
CB Okudah (who scouts rank as uncontested #1 CB in the draft).
I'd be okay with the Raiders going all-in the first round for Simmons. But my guess is the Raiders believe they got their Simmons in signing Littleton. Simmons could supercharge a LB group that has long been a major weakness.
There's a very slim chance Raiders could take a QB at #12 or #19. That means reaching to the second level of QBs because at least 2-3 will already be gone. IMO, this would be a terrible waste of draft capital. No clear talent and too many other needs. It's possible they use a mid-round pick for a QB but, again, a mistake IMO. Gruden already has all his pet QB projects lined up. He gave up on Glennon but he still has Peterman (only Gruden knows why) and now he has Mariota... and 1-2 camp QBs.
Chiefs are signing DeAndre Washington. IMO, both Richard and Washington played hard when given the chance, but I would have given the edge to Washington. Stats may lean to Richard being a better receiver out of the backfield, but I didn't see that. Plus, I'd rather see Jacobs get more chances catching the ball on 3rd down.
So Washington was drafted, and Richard was undrafted.
Scary to look how few pre-Gruden draft picks are left on the Raiders. It's like a vendetta being played out. I think the Raiders are down to like four players drafted pre-Gruden, and I think Gruden would replace Carr in a nanosecond if he could. The attrition numbers wouldn't sound crazy if Gruden were with the Raiders for a few or more years, but he was hired in 2018. That's only four draft picks retained after two short years!
Jon Gruden: If I fail, I won't take Raiders' money - NFL.com
This should be a make or break year that he either keeps or returns his massive salary. I'm not talking SB, but significant improvement across the board is due.
It's time for the fans to get paid!
New Raiders safety Demarious Randall allowed 8 TDs in coverage last season per @sportradar, tied for 2nd most in NFL. His 27 TDs allowed since entering league in 2015 are 2nd most to Malcolm Butler's 30.
Wow! That sucks! Explains why he made it to the second tier of free agency.
Raiders have struggled with free agents since Gruden arrived. Let's hope they bang out another stellar draft. And maybe Erik Harris is ready to start at safety and show off more of his late season ball hawking skills.
Richard is the better pass blocker than Washington, who couldn't stay healthy either. I love D'Wash, but love Richard better. Richard played harder, works harder, and is more familiar with plays. He is also a special teamer, where Washington was just a RB. I'm glad we have Richard, wished we could have kept both, but made the right move.
"Derek Carr has never finished an NFL season in which he wasn't Top 5 in dropped passes by his targets (26.8 per season)."
4th, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 5th, 3rd (ranked worst in NFL)
Gruden and Mayock probably didn't help Carr in this regard by signing Nelson Agholor, who is known for dropping passes.
I am still wavering about my preference at WR in the draft. CeeDee Lamb is bigger and more physical than the other two top WR choices. The Raiders need more of that from Williams but could certainly use another big target for Carr.
Plus, with the signing of Whitten, and Moreau coming off a stellar rookie season, I look for TEs to take a huge role in the passing game. It's possible Agholor doesn't last any longer on the Raiders roster than Grant or Nelson lasted last year.
Happy Good Friday everyone! I hope you are all safe and well. My family and I are good, but am ready for this whole thing to be done with. Kind of a bummer to celebrate your birthday in isolation.
CeeDee Lamb is more than likely going to be a choice for the Raiders. I'm ready for the draft! I think the Raiders become contenders this year, and I'm not just talking about a wildcard, I'm talking about division Champs vs the Chiefs; but we will see how they draft, and how they perform. They have to perform this year.
Anyone see the Clelin Ferrell workout video he posted? Dude is ripped, and mad that he is getting bad press. He has said he is coming into this season with a HUGE chip on his shoulder. Good, he needed it that last season. I also love that we signed Malik Collins from the Cowboys. Dude is not only a good run stuffer, but is an above par pass rusher up the middle. He is going to be a force with Mo Hurst. I am hoping that will push PJ Hall to perform better. If not, he will be cut this year. I know Brenston Buckner did not like his work ethic last season, and called him out multiple times. I loved Hall coming out of college, but he has been disappointing.
CeeDee Lamb is getting a lot of attention, and many say he will go to the Jets the before the Raiders have a chance. The Raiders may even go CB at #12 and take a chance on a WR at #19. Either way, they stand to get two top players at those positions.
It's laughable to see one or two mock drafts predicting the Raiders pick a QB in the first round. That should completely discredit those mocks.
I'm looking forward to the draft but getting more concerned that the football season will get delayed or altered, or worse. At this point, baseball is already changed drastically, and there's no assurance either sport even will have a season.
Stay safe!
Draft is tomorrow! Food for thought, I am not sold that the Bengals pick Burrow. I think they pick Chase Young, and pick a QB like Jake Fromm in later rounds. I am hearing that these mock draft writers really don't have a clue to their picks. I think the Dolphins trade with the Skins to the #2 spot with their #5 and #18 and take Burrow #2. A lot of Mock Draft writers have CJ Henderson as the second CB taken, but I think it will be Trevon Diggs (Bama) and CJ will fall. I think Herbert will be picked by the Chargers.
I have my lockdown picks:
1st Round #12-CeeDee Lamb (WR, Oklahoma) or Jerry Jeudy (WR, Bama). I think the Jets pick Jeudy, who has the speed of AB. They may pick Lamb though, it is whoever the Jets don't pick at WR.
1st Round #19-I think CJ Henderson falls here. The second CB off the board will be Trevon Diggs. I am sticking with my picks after this. I think we will have a stellar draft!
3rd Round #80-Bradley Anae (DE, Utah). With all the depth at OLB/DE players, the Raiders get a true 4-3 DE here, who has tremendous athleticism, strength, and power.
3rd Round #81-Noah Igbinoghene (CB, Auburn). Here is a lockdown CB who drops in the draft due to the depth of the CB position. I think this is one steal of the draft for the Raiders who will further solidify the secondary.
3rd Round #91-Akeem Davis-Gaither (OLB,Appalachian St). 6'1", 224 lbs, runs 4.68, 40. He has 101 tackles, 5 sacks, 8 pass defenses, and 1 interception in 2019.
4th Round #121-Antonio Gandy-Golden (WR, Liberty). He is 6'3", 222lbs, ran a 4.6 40, so he is a little slow, but is a terrific route runner. In this league, great routes equates to separation, and being open. He had 69 catches for 1,066 yards and 10 touchdowns last year; and his junior year had 71 receptions for 1,037 yards with 10 touchdowns.
5th Round #159-Either Matt Hennessy (OG/C, Temple). I still like Hennessy here because he would be a solid backup at Center if Hudson were to go down.
If Bengals don't take Burrow it will be the biggest mistake in their history. A game changing QB trumps every position on the field. They will never be a championship team by getting an elite pass rusher, be it Chase Young, Khalil Mack, or whomever.
I think the Raiders will likely draft a big RB somewhere in the mix.
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