Funny how I'm chided for even suggesting the Raiders should throw the ball downfield to Gafford (or anyone for that matter), and the first time they do it goes for a long TD. Oops!
Then when they go back to their M.O. and throw short of the first down marker on a critical 3rd and short in the second half (with the game still in reach), they get stuffed.
Plenty of holes to fill. But Raiders also have to coach and play smarter.
Here's another quick observation, if Tahir Whitehead is still with the Raiders next year, there's little chance of much change on defense. I get it that the Raiders are shorthanded at LB (that started when Gruden carried as many QBs into the season as he had LBs) but watching Whitehead constantly get burned in coverage has to end at some point. Right?
Congratulations, Raiders! Dolphins reject, Ryan Tannehill, scorched your defense today.
NY are you serious the Gaford td was a blown coverage nothing more. There was no time to throw deep with Parker at rt and is usual no wr open you see the zay Jones deep ball. Ridiculous comment.
The play calling the last 3 weeks has left me scratching my head. NY brought up the 3rd down pass that didn't even get to the yard sticks. I thought that Carr changed the play on that particular call, but if he did then Gruden would have been in his face once he hit the sideline, but Gruden wasn't. That tells me it was Gruden's call; but DC will get the blame for it. Got the blame from Lincoln Kennedy on the air.
Worley, Whitehead, and our safeties getting torched every game is ridiculous. Nevin Lawson came in at one point when Worley went down, and the next play, Lawson stuffed the play to Brown. Worley came back in and was torched by Brown. Letting Tannehill go for 391 yards is deplorable. No sacks, one tackle for loss (Crosby), and not able to stop anything. It's easy to point the finger at the defense, but they were on the field an awful lot. Raiders needed long drives, and couldn't sustain long drives, yet again. I am disappointed in Gruden, DC, and the rest of the team at this point. I'm disappointed in their lack of play, and tenacity to throw in the towel and continue to use "we've traveled more than any other team in history" excuse and be ok with that. Last game in Oakland this Sunday against the Jags, Raiders must win this game, they cannot lose this game; or it will be the most shaming loss in their franchise. Not because it's the Jags, but you want to go out of Oakland on top. Do the fans a favor and JUST WIN, BABY!
The next time the Raiders offer their, "we travel so much" excuse, think of this.
The Steelers got rid of Brown, & Bell in the off season. Their one good WR, Shuster is having a down year. Their starting RB, Connor, is hurt. They are playing with their 4th string QB. But through it all, they are winning. In the hunt for the playoffs.
The Steelers are not giving excuses, of asking for tears. Maybe they are doing it with "Steelers Pride", I don't know.
There used to be something called "Raiders Pride". Where has it gone??
QB aside the Raiders have had way more injuries (we are down to a 4th string safety who was not on the roster 3 weeks ago) than the Steelers not even close.
Also the Raiders are rebuilding while the Steelers have had the same group of guys on d and O for years and they were playoff caliber last year. Finally take a look at their schedule it is a joke compared to the Raiders.
I am not sure what all you guys on this blog expected but in the playoff race till Dec a chance at 8 wins far exceeds my expectations and should be considered progress.
I know its hard after 4 winning years in the last 24. I truly believe this time will be different as they have Gruden leading it.
He did it once before and will do it again. Have faith. There are some positive signs to what Gruden and Mayock have done in the last 12 months. Especially consider all the intangibles that have gone against them from Brown, to injuries, brutal schedule 7 home games etc.
Let’s not forget this team always eyed 2020 to fight for division crowns and wild-card spots. The team needs another excellent draft class and a productive free-agent signing period to further what Gruden started after being hireD. First, there was a teardown. Then there was an ascent that began in earnest this season but didn’t solve all of this team’s problems.
The offense received perceived quick fixes. Some worked (Trent Brown). Some didn’t (Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams). The defense was always another year away while the unit was rebuilt with the draft, largely from the ground up.
Poor, Gafford. The guy runs two long pass plays in his career and hits the end zone on both but Sandy says it's just blown coverage so nothing to see here. Now that's ridiculous!
Raiders Lost Foster Moreau for the season.
This season is toast. Time for young guys (like Gafford!) to get some playing time and start the process for next year.
Sandy, 2020, really!...It's quite possible the Raiders, entering Grudens 3rd year of 10 year deal, could be starting over with a new Qb. Also could have a new DC.
Starting over. Rebuilding again. But hey, if they lose, those will be the newest excuses.
It took me a few minutes to figure out that you were combining pre-season stats with rebular when propagating your nonsense. I think that says it all lol. What's up with Hatcher and Doss? I guess Doss is among the league leaders if we count his preseason games.
OO, I dont know what to tell you if oyu are not willing to give Gruden more than two years.
Sandy, The problem is Gruden could have had this year. Gruden could have had last year too, if he had started with Defense and kept Mack. But no, he had to blow things apart (Bye Crabtree, Cooper, Sea-bass, Mack, Penn, Irvin, Marquette King, et-al); and create "his own" team. Why? Because he's not a coach, he is a system guy. It has to be his system, or no system.
He had the Raiders playing on all cylinders before the Jets game, and something very telling was said, and missed by most, and it came from Jacobs said, "This is pretty much what we expected." They expected to get blown out by the Jets? Now Jacobs is shelved after playing the last 2 weeks with a fractured shoulder. He was ready to go Sunday, but Gruden told him no. Why? If he felt he was ready to go, why shelf him? Because Gruden doesn't want to win now! His play-calling and excuses show it. Why should I be willing to give Gruden anything, when he hasn't given Raider Nation anything from the day he arrived?
On a different note, I find it humorous that the Patriots are complaining about being robbed by the referees. Then to find out a report they had a scout filming at the Browns-Bengals game, where they told the Browns, but OOOPS, forgot to tell the League and the Bengals (whom, btw, they play the Bengals on Sunday). I hope the League drops the hammer on the Patriots. If they get a slap in the wrist, you will know why. Because Goodell is all over Kraft's jock.
NYR...I think it's reasonable to judge Gruden part II at the mid way point, 5 years into deal.
However, heading into year 3, I have a hard time seeing any progress being made. Yes, 6-4 was nice, but now the bottom has fell out.
I hate to say, but I have zero expectations the Raiders can win any of their remaining games. I don't think they can stop either Minshew, or Foles. on the road in L.A., and Denver, we know what we'll get. The Raiders usually quit from the opening kickoff.
Nate, your post is deranged. Jacobs was hurt 6 games ago against GreenBay and has been taking a Tordal shot and playing through it. On Sunday it did not work and Gruden made the wise and humane choice not have him suit up. You know saving his career. Are you seriously accusing Gruden of throwing a game? The guys you mentioned most are not in the NFL anymore. This is foolish.
00 are you a millennial in need of instant gratification. No progress, what do you call all the great young talent that has been added. Or Carr playing the best ball of his life.
All of you guys are fair weather in that you go between loving and hating the team based on their week to week results.
Sandy said, "Carr playing the best ball of his life." Is that really what you see?
How will you explain that statement when Gruden is grooming his replacement?
And calling anyone here a fair weather fan based on weekly results is rich. The Raiders don't have ANY "fair weather" fans. They disappeared a couple decades ago.
I am starting to feel guys come here to complain and hate more than support and be fans especially you NY.
Thanks for the blog but I am done here and checking out. I love the Raiders no matter what and Gruden is a true Raider. The asinine comments (grooming his replacement?), lack of intellectual honesty and general negativity just bring me down.
I look forward to watching the Raiders play every Sunday and following the team is wonderful even when they lose. It is unfortunate people here are so sour and bitter that they can not do the same.
Sandy don't bail man... this thing can't take many more hits.
Don't let nonsense get under your skin... I mean really - Crabtree, Irvin, Penn, King, Seabass? Not a one of those guys played a meaningful snap after we shipped em out. Pure comedy.
As far as Mack and Cooper? well we traded them for Jacobs and Ahbram. Too early to tell but there are plenty of signs that say we will end up with fair equity in both scenarios when you apply all the metrics.
Gruden gets a hall pass from me on the 2018 draft. Too hard to know exactly what to go after when you don't know exactly what you have. Sure he had game tape from 2017 but its hard to know what you've truly got until you get on the practice field week in and week out and see guys true character. I think he had ambitions to build around some of Reggies guys... but eventually concluded he had too many guys that didn't have enough passion for football. (See A Cooper)
Im focused on the improvements he's made since then. Went and partnered with a savvy, hard working football mind he could gel with. And they absolutely crushed their first draft together... arguably to historical levels. Now we have another bundle of picks coming in the top 100 this year. Will it line up perfectly with every pick? of course not. But he and Mayock have a vision of the kind of player and passion for football they want, so I like our chances. Any rational person can see whats happening.
Am I pissed off about the last few games? Damn right. I think we are capable of being more right now. (I think our QB is incapable of rising to the occasion - surrounded by talent or not - but thats for another time)
Am I enthusiastic about the future? Damn right. With another solid draft and another year of playing experience for these young guys I think we are on the right trajectory.
So Im with you dude - don't get derailed. RT needs rational folks keeping this thing rolling.
Thanks 5er for your kind words and thoughtful, sober analysis.
I turned 51 this month and perhaps it is a sign of the times or how the internet has evolved but people seem to revel in negativity and hate. When the truth is bent to serve these purposes it is too much for me.
Sandy, you are a very sensitive individual. Nobody is twisting the truth. It's all opinion and conjecture, but you often chide folks for not sharing your opinions, then threaten to leave when we don't acquiesce. That's hardly fair.
When I come here, I make comments based on macro and micro observations. I don't expect you to agree with me on everything. IMO disagreement is what makes the blog interesting. Hearing other perspectives.
Gruden is a $10mm per year coach. Expectations have to be high, with very little room for error. Gruden is harder on himself than you allow anyone here to be. There are no safe spaces in this process. I've been commenting on this site for many years and am just as quick to give praise when I see it.
From the start of Gruden's tenure (beginning of a true rebuilding process) I have advocated for young guys to be brought into the fray and be challenged. Yet you regularly criticize me as suggesting these guys are the answer. No. They are roster players who need to be tested. It's understood that failure is an option.
Underperforming players and fringe players are the ones that deserve the most attention and scrutiny right now, particularly off three blowout losses and an otherwise meaningless remainder to this season.
Now is the time to start organizing the 2020 roster. Tryouts should begin immediately!
PS, When I said "ow will you explain that statement when Gruden is grooming his replacement?" You obviously knew I meant Carr, right?
I am not predicting Carr will be replaced... only making an obvious point that it a real possibility. Carr is not Gruden's prototypical QB. He wants a QB that can run.
BTW, can you please explain why you believe this is Carr's best year? That's puzzling. You complain he has no WRs but you cite this is his best year. How can that be?
Don't take everything so personal. It's not worth an oz of your stress. It's already stressful enough watching the Raiders play.
It is difficult to believe this is the last game in the Oakland Coliseum this weekend. I grew up in LA area and went to 5 LA Raiders games as a kid. My first being 83-84 AFC Championship, that my dad got tickets to from Al Davis. In 1994, my parents moved to NE California, about 90 miles north of Tahoe. I dropped out of college for a few years that year as well, and started working a job. Week 4 of 1995, the Raiders played the Eagles (Gruden's first time in Oakland, he was an Eagles' assistant). Raiders won 49-24 on 49 unanswered points, but that wasn't even the best part. Walking into the stadium through the parking lot, visiting Darth Raider, Gorilla Rilla, Violator, and others; and feeling the electricity and excitement level build up before, during, and after the game is something I had never experienced; and have not experienced anywhere else (attended 88 & 98 World Series, 89 All Star game, 93 Bulls game in Chicago, Cowboys games, Texans games, etc). I have yet to go to any stadium or game where the crowd was off the charts like they were in Oakland. All that to say, I will always be a Raiders fan, but it will not be the same as the Oakland Raiders. Oakland will forever be the Raiders' home to me, and only people who have gone to a game in Oakland will understand. My only regret is not being able to take my son to experience a game in Oakland. Our only chance was 2 years ago after my dad passed, and they were away while we were in town. Share your favorite experience and memory Oakland Raiders at the Coliseum.
I am fortunate to say I went to a Raiders home game. I was scheduled to travel to Oakland in 2001 but the NFL cancelled all games that weekend due to 9/11. I made the trip in 2002 for the home opener vs Seattle. Stayed in San Fran and did the sights. Also, went to Ricky's and downtown Oakland for the home opener celebration, and hit a Giants game in their then new stadium. On game day I tailgated with some great west coast Raiders fans and witnessed the Raiders start their quest for a Super Bowl. I've been to several other games in NY (Shea), NJ (Jets and Giants), Buffalo and Cincinnati but there's nothing like the vibe of a home game.
While it's unfortunate the Raiders will move to Vegas, or really anywhere other than Oakland for that matter, Vegas offers better access for me. So I plan to attend another home game very soon. I look forward to that day, and to the Raiders putting a better team on the field to make my trip worthwhile.
I will say, and many others have said as much, it's a damn shame that the best the NFL could do for the Raiders is schedule their last home game against the Jags. Not exactly what you call, inspiring.
After watching the Cincy game I knew the Raiders were primed for a let down against the Jets, and there wasn't much the Raiders could do to prevent a loss against the Chiefs. Have to say, the Titans game caught me off guard a bit but not a huge surprise.
However, I'm gonna make a prediction that the Raiders WILL find inspiration this week for their last game in Oakland and beat the Jags. For as critical as I've been of Gruden, I believe he is a good motivator and he still has the ears and hearts of his players... unlike many of his predecessors.
Time to say goodbye to an era!
GO RAIDERS!!
PS, If I were a Jags player/coach/owner, I'd be cursing the NFL for scheduling this game. This is an important moment for the Raiders and their history. If it means anything, the Raiders will win this game on effort alone.
Final pilgrimage to the coliseum today. Been over 100 times through the years... first in 1978 and today will be the last. Truly been a family tradition, some of which are no longer with us. Today is going to be a wide spectrum of emotions... reveling in some great memories, and fighting back some anger that the greatest fans in sports deserved more. I'll probably do a follow up tribute to that here at RT after the sun sets on today.
24 Comments:
Worst defense in Raider history
116 points given up over last three games. Must be close to a Raiders record for a three-game span?
Another fun game to watch.
Funny how I'm chided for even suggesting the Raiders should throw the ball downfield to Gafford (or anyone for that matter), and the first time they do it goes for a long TD. Oops!
Then when they go back to their M.O. and throw short of the first down marker on a critical 3rd and short in the second half (with the game still in reach), they get stuffed.
Plenty of holes to fill. But Raiders also have to coach and play smarter.
Here's another quick observation, if Tahir Whitehead is still with the Raiders next year, there's little chance of much change on defense. I get it that the Raiders are shorthanded at LB (that started when Gruden carried as many QBs into the season as he had LBs) but watching Whitehead constantly get burned in coverage has to end at some point. Right?
Congratulations, Raiders! Dolphins reject, Ryan Tannehill, scorched your defense today.
Looks like Raiders defense has gone from Mack + 10 other guys, to Maxx + 10 other guys.
The more things change, the more it stays the same.
NY are you serious the Gaford td was a blown coverage nothing more. There was no time to throw deep with Parker at rt and is usual no wr open you see the zay Jones deep ball. Ridiculous comment.
Sandy
The play calling the last 3 weeks has left me scratching my head. NY brought up the 3rd down pass that didn't even get to the yard sticks. I thought that Carr changed the play on that particular call, but if he did then Gruden would have been in his face once he hit the sideline, but Gruden wasn't. That tells me it was Gruden's call; but DC will get the blame for it. Got the blame from Lincoln Kennedy on the air.
Worley, Whitehead, and our safeties getting torched every game is ridiculous. Nevin Lawson came in at one point when Worley went down, and the next play, Lawson stuffed the play to Brown. Worley came back in and was torched by Brown. Letting Tannehill go for 391 yards is deplorable. No sacks, one tackle for loss (Crosby), and not able to stop anything. It's easy to point the finger at the defense, but they were on the field an awful lot. Raiders needed long drives, and couldn't sustain long drives, yet again. I am disappointed in Gruden, DC, and the rest of the team at this point. I'm disappointed in their lack of play, and tenacity to throw in the towel and continue to use "we've traveled more than any other team in history" excuse and be ok with that. Last game in Oakland this Sunday against the Jags, Raiders must win this game, they cannot lose this game; or it will be the most shaming loss in their franchise. Not because it's the Jags, but you want to go out of Oakland on top. Do the fans a favor and JUST WIN, BABY!
The next time the Raiders offer their, "we travel so much" excuse, think of this.
The Steelers got rid of Brown, & Bell in the off season. Their one good WR, Shuster is having a down year. Their starting RB, Connor, is hurt. They are playing with their 4th string QB. But through it all, they are winning. In the hunt for the playoffs.
The Steelers are not giving excuses, of asking for tears. Maybe they are doing it with "Steelers Pride", I don't know.
There used to be something called "Raiders Pride". Where has it gone??
00
There is no comparison.
QB aside the Raiders have had way more injuries (we are down to a 4th string safety who was not on the roster 3 weeks ago) than the Steelers not even close.
Also the Raiders are rebuilding while the Steelers have had the same group of guys on d and O for years and they were playoff caliber last year. Finally take a look at their schedule it is a joke compared to the Raiders.
I am not sure what all you guys on this blog expected but in the playoff race till Dec a chance at 8 wins far exceeds my expectations and should be considered progress.
Sandy
I think that's the problem Sandy. The Raiders are "rebuilding". They are always rebuilding. They are never done rebuilding.
Rebuilding has become the great Raiders crutch to lean on for all excuses.
The Raiders are not in a strong division. They didn't show up for the Jets game. And now the Chefs, and Titans games.
They have Carr, their starting QB. They couldn't score a TD against Jets. Got a garbage time TD vs Chefs. Got shutout if 2nd half vs Titans.
4th string safety? hey, next man up. Win anyway. Oh, I forgot, The Raiders had to travel a lot.
00
I know its hard after 4 winning years in the last 24. I truly believe this time will be different as they have Gruden leading it.
He did it once before and will do it again. Have faith. There are some positive signs to what Gruden and Mayock have done in the last 12 months. Especially consider all the intangibles that have gone against them from Brown, to injuries, brutal schedule 7 home games etc.
Let’s not forget this team always eyed 2020 to fight for division crowns and wild-card spots. The team needs another excellent draft class and a productive free-agent signing period to further what Gruden started after being hireD. First, there was a teardown. Then there was an ascent that began in earnest this season but didn’t solve all of this team’s problems.
The offense received perceived quick fixes. Some worked (Trent Brown). Some didn’t (Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams). The defense was always another year away while the unit was rebuilt with the draft, largely from the ground up.
Sandy
Poor, Gafford. The guy runs two long pass plays in his career and hits the end zone on both but Sandy says it's just blown coverage so nothing to see here. Now that's ridiculous!
Raiders Lost Foster Moreau for the season.
This season is toast. Time for young guys (like Gafford!) to get some playing time and start the process for next year.
It's over!
Sandy, 2020, really!...It's quite possible the Raiders, entering Grudens 3rd year of 10 year deal, could be starting over with a new Qb. Also could have a new DC.
Starting over. Rebuilding again. But hey, if they lose, those will be the newest excuses.
NY,
It took me a few minutes to figure out that you were combining pre-season stats with rebular when propagating your nonsense. I think that says it all lol. What's up with Hatcher and Doss? I guess Doss is among the league leaders if we count his preseason games.
OO, I dont know what to tell you if oyu are not willing to give Gruden more than two years.
Sandy
Sandy,
The problem is Gruden could have had this year. Gruden could have had last year too, if he had started with Defense and kept Mack. But no, he had to blow things apart (Bye Crabtree, Cooper, Sea-bass, Mack, Penn, Irvin, Marquette King, et-al); and create "his own" team. Why? Because he's not a coach, he is a system guy. It has to be his system, or no system.
He had the Raiders playing on all cylinders before the Jets game, and something very telling was said, and missed by most, and it came from Jacobs said, "This is pretty much what we expected." They expected to get blown out by the Jets? Now Jacobs is shelved after playing the last 2 weeks with a fractured shoulder. He was ready to go Sunday, but Gruden told him no. Why? If he felt he was ready to go, why shelf him? Because Gruden doesn't want to win now! His play-calling and excuses show it. Why should I be willing to give Gruden anything, when he hasn't given Raider Nation anything from the day he arrived?
On a different note, I find it humorous that the Patriots are complaining about being robbed by the referees. Then to find out a report they had a scout filming at the Browns-Bengals game, where they told the Browns, but OOOPS, forgot to tell the League and the Bengals (whom, btw, they play the Bengals on Sunday). I hope the League drops the hammer on the Patriots. If they get a slap in the wrist, you will know why. Because Goodell is all over Kraft's jock.
NYR...I think it's reasonable to judge Gruden part II at the mid way point, 5 years into deal.
However, heading into year 3, I have a hard time seeing any progress being made. Yes, 6-4 was nice, but now the bottom has fell out.
I hate to say, but I have zero expectations the Raiders can win any of their remaining games.
I don't think they can stop either Minshew, or Foles. on the road in L.A., and Denver, we know what we'll get. The Raiders usually quit from the opening kickoff.
Nate, your post is deranged. Jacobs was hurt 6 games ago against GreenBay and has been taking a Tordal shot and playing through it. On Sunday it did not work and Gruden made the wise and humane choice not have him suit up. You know saving his career. Are you seriously accusing Gruden of throwing a game? The guys you mentioned most are not in the NFL anymore. This is foolish.
00 are you a millennial in need of instant gratification. No progress, what do you call all the great young talent that has been added. Or Carr playing the best ball of his life.
All of you guys are fair weather in that you go between loving and hating the team based on their week to week results.
Sandy
Sandy said, "Carr playing the best ball of his life." Is that really what you see?
How will you explain that statement when Gruden is grooming his replacement?
And calling anyone here a fair weather fan based on weekly results is rich. The Raiders don't have ANY "fair weather" fans. They disappeared a couple decades ago.
RT,
I am starting to feel guys come here to complain and hate more than support and be fans especially you NY.
Thanks for the blog but I am done here and checking out. I love the Raiders no matter what and Gruden is a true Raider. The asinine comments (grooming his replacement?), lack of intellectual honesty and general negativity just bring me down.
I look forward to watching the Raiders play every Sunday and following the team is wonderful even when they lose. It is unfortunate people here are so sour and bitter that they can not do the same.
Good luck to all
Sandy
Sandy don't bail man... this thing can't take many more hits.
Don't let nonsense get under your skin... I mean really - Crabtree, Irvin, Penn, King, Seabass? Not a one of those guys played a meaningful snap after we shipped em out. Pure comedy.
As far as Mack and Cooper? well we traded them for Jacobs and Ahbram. Too early to tell but there are plenty of signs that say we will end up with fair equity in both scenarios when you apply all the metrics.
Gruden gets a hall pass from me on the 2018 draft. Too hard to know exactly what to go after when you don't know exactly what you have. Sure he had game tape from 2017 but its hard to know what you've truly got until you get on the practice field week in and week out and see guys true character. I think he had ambitions to build around some of Reggies guys... but eventually concluded he had too many guys that didn't have enough passion for football. (See A Cooper)
Im focused on the improvements he's made since then. Went and partnered with a savvy, hard working football mind he could gel with. And they absolutely crushed their first draft together... arguably to historical levels. Now we have another bundle of picks coming in the top 100 this year. Will it line up perfectly with every pick? of course not. But he and Mayock have a vision of the kind of player and passion for football they want, so I like our chances. Any rational person can see whats happening.
Am I pissed off about the last few games? Damn right. I think we are capable of being more right now. (I think our QB is incapable of rising to the occasion - surrounded by talent or not - but thats for another time)
Am I enthusiastic about the future? Damn right. With another solid draft and another year of playing experience for these young guys I think we are on the right trajectory.
So Im with you dude - don't get derailed. RT needs rational folks keeping this thing rolling.
5er
Thanks 5er for your kind words and thoughtful, sober analysis.
I turned 51 this month and perhaps it is a sign of the times or how the internet has evolved but people seem to revel in negativity and hate. When the truth is bent to serve these purposes it is too much for me.
Regards
Sandy
Sandy, you are a very sensitive individual. Nobody is twisting the truth. It's all opinion and conjecture, but you often chide folks for not sharing your opinions, then threaten to leave when we don't acquiesce. That's hardly fair.
When I come here, I make comments based on macro and micro observations. I don't expect you to agree with me on everything. IMO disagreement is what makes the blog interesting. Hearing other perspectives.
Gruden is a $10mm per year coach. Expectations have to be high, with very little room for error. Gruden is harder on himself than you allow anyone here to be. There are no safe spaces in this process. I've been commenting on this site for many years and am just as quick to give praise when I see it.
From the start of Gruden's tenure (beginning of a true rebuilding process) I have advocated for young guys to be brought into the fray and be challenged. Yet you regularly criticize me as suggesting these guys are the answer. No. They are roster players who need to be tested. It's understood that failure is an option.
Underperforming players and fringe players are the ones that deserve the most attention and scrutiny right now, particularly off three blowout losses and an otherwise meaningless remainder to this season.
Now is the time to start organizing the 2020 roster. Tryouts should begin immediately!
PS, When I said "ow will you explain that statement when Gruden is grooming his replacement?" You obviously knew I meant Carr, right?
I am not predicting Carr will be replaced... only making an obvious point that it a real possibility. Carr is not Gruden's prototypical QB. He wants a QB that can run.
BTW, can you please explain why you believe this is Carr's best year? That's puzzling. You complain he has no WRs but you cite this is his best year. How can that be?
Don't take everything so personal. It's not worth an oz of your stress. It's already stressful enough watching the Raiders play.
It is difficult to believe this is the last game in the Oakland Coliseum this weekend. I grew up in LA area and went to 5 LA Raiders games as a kid. My first being 83-84 AFC Championship, that my dad got tickets to from Al Davis.
In 1994, my parents moved to NE California, about 90 miles north of Tahoe. I dropped out of college for a few years that year as well, and started working a job. Week 4 of 1995, the Raiders played the Eagles (Gruden's first time in Oakland, he was an Eagles' assistant). Raiders won 49-24 on 49 unanswered points, but that wasn't even the best part. Walking into the stadium through the parking lot, visiting Darth Raider, Gorilla Rilla, Violator, and others; and feeling the electricity and excitement level build up before, during, and after the game is something I had never experienced; and have not experienced anywhere else (attended 88 & 98 World Series, 89 All Star game, 93 Bulls game in Chicago, Cowboys games, Texans games, etc). I have yet to go to any stadium or game where the crowd was off the charts like they were in Oakland.
All that to say, I will always be a Raiders fan, but it will not be the same as the Oakland Raiders. Oakland will forever be the Raiders' home to me, and only people who have gone to a game in Oakland will understand. My only regret is not being able to take my son to experience a game in Oakland. Our only chance was 2 years ago after my dad passed, and they were away while we were in town. Share your favorite experience and memory Oakland Raiders at the Coliseum.
Cool stuff, Nate.
I am fortunate to say I went to a Raiders home game. I was scheduled to travel to Oakland in 2001 but the NFL cancelled all games that weekend due to 9/11. I made the trip in 2002 for the home opener vs Seattle. Stayed in San Fran and did the sights. Also, went to Ricky's and downtown Oakland for the home opener celebration, and hit a Giants game in their then new stadium. On game day I tailgated with some great west coast Raiders fans and witnessed the Raiders start their quest for a Super Bowl. I've been to several other games in NY (Shea), NJ (Jets and Giants), Buffalo and Cincinnati but there's nothing like the vibe of a home game.
While it's unfortunate the Raiders will move to Vegas, or really anywhere other than Oakland for that matter, Vegas offers better access for me. So I plan to attend another home game very soon. I look forward to that day, and to the Raiders putting a better team on the field to make my trip worthwhile.
I will say, and many others have said as much, it's a damn shame that the best the NFL could do for the Raiders is schedule their last home game against the Jags. Not exactly what you call, inspiring.
After watching the Cincy game I knew the Raiders were primed for a let down against the Jets, and there wasn't much the Raiders could do to prevent a loss against the Chiefs. Have to say, the Titans game caught me off guard a bit but not a huge surprise.
However, I'm gonna make a prediction that the Raiders WILL find inspiration this week for their last game in Oakland and beat the Jags. For as critical as I've been of Gruden, I believe he is a good motivator and he still has the ears and hearts of his players... unlike many of his predecessors.
Time to say goodbye to an era!
GO RAIDERS!!
PS, If I were a Jags player/coach/owner, I'd be cursing the NFL for scheduling this game. This is an important moment for the Raiders and their history. If it means anything, the Raiders will win this game on effort alone.
Cheers!
Final pilgrimage to the coliseum today. Been over 100 times through the years... first in 1978 and today will be the last.
Truly been a family tradition, some of which are no longer with us. Today is going to be a wide spectrum of emotions... reveling in some great memories, and fighting back some anger that the greatest fans in sports deserved more. I'll probably do a follow up tribute to that here at RT after the sun sets on today.
Onward and Upward Nation. Lets go out our way.
The 5er
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