Chargers Gamenight Thread
Well, here we are friends, with the season truly on the brink. A win keeps our slim hopes alive, a loss puts them on life support waiting for a miracle. Maybe a new DC can help halt the downward spiral. The preparation and discipline to execute starts at the top, and it's time for Chucky to show that he can right the ship. GO RAIDERS!
posted by Raider Take at 5:14 PM
30 Comments:
And Carr is hurt. Mariota not bad on the first drive, but I don't understand Gruden at this point calling for Renfrow short 4 or 5 yards on 3rd and 9.
Defense worked on the run game all week, but forgot that the Chargers pass too. Despicable play by the Raiders this first half.
Bye-bye playoffs. F$%^*& defense
Well, Mariota sure looked sharp, and clearly Gruden & Co. were prepared with creative playcalling that played to his strengths. It was weird seeing such an athletic performance at QB. On the flipside, boy 'o boy is our defense still disorganized, soft and undisciplined.
what do you expect we had Keisean Nixon and Levitt in our defensive backfield these are third string special teams players at best.
The 2020 collapse ... Hard to believe the Raiders were 6-3 after nine games.
Marinelli dialed up some blitzes and sometimes pressed at the line but, make no mistake, that was Guenther's defense out there. As you said, RT, disorganized and undisciplined. Suffice to say, Guenther doesn't have a very impressive resume at this point.
Carr is streaky and struggled out of the gate, again. Mariota gave us hope and kept the defense off the field with long, time consuming drives. Disappointed that Gruden didn't call a run option and let Mariota try to score a TD himself in OT. Runs up the middle were stuffed all game... why should goal line plays do any better? Same head scratching play calling we've seen all year.
Gruden has to be wondering how he can find a QB with Mariota's running ability and Carr's accuracy. It's possible Mariota plays out the season... and Gruden has a hard decision to make at QB.
Except for some housekeeping, 2020 is in the books.
What did I expect? Better than that.
Funny to even single out a couple players on the heels of the DC being fired. Obviously, it's a much deeper problem than missing a few players.
Darryl Worley was signed this week but he managed to make a few plays.
I was surprised at how much Gruden opened the playbook with Mariota in the game, and how much he is not that creative with Carr; which made me even more furious. The obvious elephant in the room after this game is not Marinelli or Guenther, but Gruden.
After 6-3 start, I was for certain the Raiders would not collapse again, and then the Falcons game happened. Since starting 6-3; the Raiders are 1-4, and this falls squarely on Gruden's shoulders, and no one else. We can cast blame on the defense and how they have played, but Gruden is responsible for setting the tone of the whole team; and he has done a horrible job.
It was made clear to me last night that Gruden knows Mark Davis won't fire him, and he is just in it to collect the $$. I'm angry this morning.
you are all amateurs couch coaches, no coach in the NFL is going to win games when half your starters are out and you don't even have second-stringers in there. Give Gruden a break Open the Playbook do you even watch football are you blind the passing game went out the window when Mariota came in the game, give Marcus credit he was brave and tried his best but come on anything over 15 yards was the exception of the pass to Waller was an adventure. We're all disappointed but trying to blame Gruden is asinine and immature
Worley made a few plays he sucked he gave up a touchdown. Expecting good football out of these scrubs is insane. Gruden with a full deck the team would be fine get a grip guys
The Raiders have failed to field a decent defense for years, not just this week. A few injured players wasn't going to change that.
Abrams being out might have been a net positive. Raiders played pretty well against the run, and that's Abrams strength. He sucks in coverage. And it seems Arnette has been out most of the year. Ferrell is a streaky, and often disappears for games. Morrow is a backup.
These are the guys you're calling a "full deck?"
raiders NFL rank in scoring last three years 24, 22 this year 11. Gruden has the team headed in the right direction
Wade Phillips is an outstanding DC but he isn't the DC they need. The Raiders aren't going to spend on 3-4 rush LBs' and DEs'.
And they haven't proven they can draft or find LBs'.
There are many outstanding 4-3 DCs'.
Its' the NFL/ owners who tell the Raiders what to do!
If you want to help Gruden then write the NFL and ask them to stop TELLING the RAIDERS WHAT TO DO!!!
They use "model franchise" ideas meaning they don't spend a lot on draft picks on players.
The Raiders literally were in the playoffs and suddenly they have the worst defenses
in NFL history? Why Cleveland and Baltimore
and not L.V. who had the much easier schedule or would the NFL like it better when its' a sold out stadium for a playoff run?
Raidernation was waiting on Reggie and now Gruden to put the Al era away didn't seem to be doing much to show the NFL and these
coaches know better than Al.
Maybe Gruden is under pressure to go with the NFL plan and not be too quick to try to make the playoffs.
I believe what I see. Raiders make their own choices when it comes to GM, HC, OC, DC, draft picks, free agents and scheme. They play in the same league with 31 other teams, many of whom have cycled in and out of the playoffs during a span which the Raiders managed only one flash appearance in nearly 20 years. During that period, it's been mostly one bad decision after another.
It's not a streak of bad luck, and it's not an NFL conspiracy.
With each major change comes a new era, which takes time to acclimate. The Raiders are about to reset their defense. Not sure I agree that the magnitude of change becomes greater if Philips is hired. Whatever DC is hired should be given the autonomy to build his own defense and not be strapped with players and scheme that have already failed.
IMO, that could mean many of the recently drafted players and expensive free agents - many of whom have under performed - could be gone. Without that autonomy, we will just be headed for more failures. That's why the decision to hire the right DC is critical.
By extension, if Gruden hires another "friend," we may end up with the same results.
Anon said, "Wade Phillips is an outstanding DC but he isn't the DC they need. The Raiders aren't going to spend on 3-4 rush LBs' and DEs'.
And they haven't proven they can draft or find LBs'.
There are many outstanding 4-3 DCs'."
As I mentioned in the last post, Phillips has also coached outstanding 4-3 defenses with the Texans, Cowboys, Bills, and Saints. He has extensive knowledge of both schemes. When it is up to him, he prefers 3-4 scheme.
I'm not sold Gruden is in it to win it. I think he is there for the $$, and we will see by who he hires as DC. Marinelli is not the answer. If not Phillips, the only other viable name is Raheem Morris, who I think will be the Falcons Head Coach after this season. Anyone else will not get the job done. What the Defense lacks is a savvy leader, like Mack and Woodson was. Someone who will light a fire under everyone else to perform.
Some Defensive Free Agents the Raiders should make a run for:
DL - Leonard Williams (DE, Giants), Bud Dupree (EDGE, Steelers), Melvin Ingram III (EDGE, Chargers), Shaq Barrett (DE, Bucs), Everson Griffen (DE, Detroit), Ndamukong Suh (DT, Bucs), Noah Spence (DE, Saints).
Only 2 FA names at WR:
TY Hilton (Colts, I wish), Allen Robinson (Bears),
Not Suh but the other guys would be good for the Raiders.
Dude, the Raiders ain't making decisions anything like they did during Al's years.
Of course Gruden/ others have their own plans but you'd think they would've used some of a legend's ideas.
every player/ coach Al had was fired or pressured to leave by Reggie. They claimed Reggie could do MUCH better. As bad as Raidernation saw Al's slump ('03-'11) the personnel and stats sure make me SEE with my own eyes who was the better leader (Reggie and Gruden.
I don't think Gruden is/ was with some of the moves by Mayock. You really think Reggie did all that firing by himself?
Oh yea....since its' old school to draft for speed/ athletics and/or sign problem or expensive free agents (like Al did)- the team doing it should be a loser (like Al was) but the team most like Al's (losers) is KC!
I think Gruden and MD were TOLD by the NFL to allow them to help them pick. That's why there's all these assistant coaches who are good but not exciting and who might have been picked by NFL to help keep things in order in Oakland/L.V. not because Reggie or Gruden really hired them.
Al's Raiders ('03-'11)
* the Raiders were one of the better pass rushing teams over that nine years.
* the special teams was the best in the NFL (you can argue that but who had kickers like Lechler and C-Bass?)
* Some of our assistant coaches are/ were with SB winners after Reggie fired them.
* The run game was almost outstanding. Bush and DMAC but the media said you need a GB Packer or Colts-like units without stars. Ummmm....WOW.
Raidernation listened to sports media and its' OPINIONS of how the team should be run.
They thought Reggie and Gruden could bring the culture to Oakland/L.V. to win.
But that's only if the NFL runs the show; No big signings, standing up for fans, lawsuits ,problem players, no fighting the NFL- show the world this is the new Raiders. Its' about MONEY. No they don't make their own decisions. The NFL is!
They want COOPERATION! and MONEY. Al wanted money, to win but to run his own team. You have to do what they tell you or it will/ could be trouble.
That's why they don't want ANYBODY from the Davis era unless they are with NFL/ owners.
The NFL (owners) allowed the Raiders to move to Vegas. That's an AL Davis type move. The Raiders have to pay a fee (to the owners) but so do other teams that moved, e.g., Chargers and Rams. There was so much money available to the Raiders in Vegas, it didn't matter. When the stadium was completed, the Raiders org value went through the roof.
NV has no state income tax, so Raiders players got a 13% pay increase to move (with no impact to the Raiders salary cap).
Time to parlay that pay increase to attracting quality free agents to move to Vegas.
WRT Gruden, I still think he is capable of putting together a winning team but, having already failed miserably at hiring a DC and fielding a defense, he is walking a thin line.
If the clock stopped today on the Gruden era Part II, I think we could say that Gruden was a better HC when Al was making the decisions than Gruden is at making the decisions on his own.
That's the hurdle that still needs to be cleared.
how can the Raiders stop the run with such small linebackers?
that guy Littleton is so small I think a little old lady could run him over. and the rest of them are lightweights too....
....where's Matt Millen when we need him?
The defense probably isn't going to be a ground up rebuild - because current regime hand picked these players - but there needs to be a major overhaul.
NY,
I don't think a major overhaul is possible given how much money they have committed to Nasib and Littleton in 2021. Besides which I think the Raiders have proven that even with Mayock at the controls free agency it's mostly Fool's Gold. I think we will have to hope that a new coordinator can get more out of Arnett, Abram, Crosby and Farrell then maybe sign a veteran or two at low cost.
Let's face it when the offense averages 27 points a game the Raiders don't need a good defense even a mediocre or less than average defense this year would have had the Raider easily getting into the playoffs. I know we differ on the state of the franchise but I generally think in the big picture we're on the right track. What I think we can all agree on is it's depressing as 2020 looks like a real wasted opportunity.
Regards Sandy
Sandy,
I wish I had the answer but, I think if I did, it would be even more frustrating for me. All I know is what we all see, which is that Raiders have failed to field an "average" defense, again. It's up to Gruden to fix this thing, and it starts with hiring a quality DC, not some friend of Gruden, or inexperienced coach, or underwhelming retread.
I don't think big contracts will get in the way in 2021. Raiders have already benched Nassib once, and were less than anxious to get Littleton back on the field. Both could traded or waived, or both could improve under better coaching.
In my mind, Crosby and Mullen are the only players on defense that should be truly safe on the roster. Abrams is the biggest disappointment, but I believe many current players are worth another try with better coaching.
I will say this, Derek Carr should remain the QB. He's a savvy game manager and will continue to get better, like Rich Gannon did for us.
Cheers!
Happy Holidays to all.
NY,
Thanks for the response to clarify, I meant that Nassib and Littleton take up so much cap space it would be hard to add FA of significance. Waiving them is an option but the cap hit is onerous. They can come off the books in 2022.
As you point out a good coordinator is the key because they need to get more out of what exists. I think Ferrell can be included in your list of keepers. Though for #4 overall he is a huge disappointment, by many metrics he has been better than Crosby who has regressed and is awful against the run. Abrams looks useless playing deep and may only be able to stay on the field in a system that puts him close to the line of scrimmage.
Completely agree on Carr he is a stud this year and has a lot of heart.
I wish you and everyone here a great holiday and healthy happy 2021
Sandy
Sandy and NY,
I don't think a complete overhaul is necessary. We have a lot of young guys who are working hard to get better. We need a leader on the defense that will get in the other players' faces (like Mack and Woodson did), along with a DC like Wade Phillips.
We have Derek Carr, Hudson, and Waller as captains on the offense who set the tone; but do not have anyone like that on defense.
With that said, Merry Christmas to everyone! I hope you have a tremendous holiday season and a very happy new year. Prayers for us, as my family and I found out this morning that we have COVID. Do not know how we contracted this, as we have been very careful and following protocols. It is not the present we wanted. JUST WIN, BABY!
Nate,
Excellent point, for sure the lack of veteran leadership on the D makes a huge difference. Remember Gruden's first time around guys like Rod Woodson, Eric Allen, William Thomas and Sam Adams made a huge impact. It is perplexing we lack that on D as Gruden loves vets.
More importantly, best wishes on your health don't blame yourself for getting it the country is out of control. One small piece of advice go to CVS or Walgreens and buy an oximeter. That way you know if you need to go to a hospital for intervention if you start feeling short of breath.
I am sure you and your family will be fine.
take care
Sandy
Merry Christmas, friends!
Nate, keep us posted. I'd like to know how it goes for you and your family, and best wishes for a speedy recovery (if you are symptomatic). My brother and his wife got it, and while it was no fun, it was like a bad flu and they came through without serious complication.
Will Compton explains why Guenther failed the Raiders. In the short stint Compton had with the Raiders last year, he outplayed every LB on the current roster, IMO.
https://tinyurl.com/ya87otrf
Nate, best wishes to you and your family for a speedy recovery.
Merry Christmas!
The no. #1 reason the Raiders were ALLOWED to move to L.V. was because the other owners and the NFL had long been interested in other big attractive places to move a football team. As big/ attractive as L.V. was the NFL wasn't going to ALLOW teams to move there unless the ODDS were managed. Why leave a bigger market for L.V.? And many of the owners wouldn't move if the ODDS weren't unproven.
So why not use a fall guy-volunteer. The NFL really doesn't like the Raiders, Al is gone, The NFL saw a chance to make more money and power, NFL owners can stay in their cities but make money off L.V. using a new Raiders team that still isn't ready to be a "model franchise".
if it works they get SB's, NFL Draft, all kinds of revenue from L.V. tourism. If it doesn't...they a problem to a small market and the NFL can make them go along, maybe MD gets in serious debt, in a small market still making them a little money.
But the big one? Raidernation! We will support the Raiders no matter were, even if its' working against the team. At least if they don't get the tourism, or sell outs, they'll get lots of NFL products sold.
Moving the Raiders wasn't about helping the team, it was about taking a chance in a small market and they used the Raiders.
Thanks everyone for the well wishes. I am keeping an eye on all of our breathing. We are taking zinc, vitamin c, and vitamin d.
So far, just a stuffy nose, and lost my sense of smell. My wife has lost her sense of taste and smell. My daughter has lost her sense of smell and taste as well, but has also had a fever and been vomiting. We are keeping an eye on her as far as hydration, and labored breathing. She has had the worst symptoms. All 3 of us hit a fatigued wall about 3-3:30 every day. My son is symptom free.
Hang in there, Nate, sorry to hear about your daughter, how old is she? Hope the Raiders can bring a bit of cheer tonight.
LBs'- this team hasn't been that good at drafting them. Again, its' how much the Raiders have grown into a "model franchise" and not just drafting for size/ speed. But then comes KC and shows just how much the Al.
Wow!....the Raiders had one great draft in seven years and its' Reggie for president?
5 first rounders and there isn't REALLY a pro bowler in the group. And they give a 2nd round pick to the Bears in the Mack trade.
They talk offense because that's what they know. It was Al who built the defenses not Gruden. They can't seem to find pass rushers or DBs'. Its' not just picking good players its' finding the types the Al's, Nolls, Belichicks and others can see are special. Maybe Reggie was way too quick to get rid of Al's scouts.
They tell Raidernation how well (Mayock)
has done and will tell us how far this team has come and make promises and claims about the new Raiders chances of winning. Maybe they should look in the past to get some advise on drafting players.
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