Almost, Not Quite, Time to Rethink Everything
Let me preface by saying that I really enjoyed this season, and it was fun to see the Raiders notch a winning record in the face of great adversity and to finally return to the playoffs.
I'm now taking joy in the fact that Mark Davis is making a statement by firing Mike Mayock and likely parting ways with Rich Bisaccia.
The statement is this: We are raising the bar, it's finally time to act like a billion dollar company.
Hopefully, Mark Davis holds himself to this standard, because he's been a big part of the problem lately, and the buck stops with him.
The Raiders have been demonstrably terrible at picking head coaches. Between Gruden I and Gruden II, here's their list of head coaches:
Bill Callahan
Norv Turner
Art Shell
Lane Kiffin
Tom Cable
Hue Jackson
Dennis Allen
Tony Sparano
Jack Del Rio
Only two of these coaches got another NFL head coaching gig (Turner, Jackson), and one of them (Jackson) proved to be one of the worst head coaches in NFL history in his tenure with the Browns.
Just look at that list. Not a single elite hire anywhere to be seen. Gruden II wasn't elite, either.
I like Bisaccia. So do the players. He did an admirable job holding things together and steering the team out of the doldrums.
But I can find old stories with glowing quotes from Raiders players about each of the above coaches, too. Players are employees. Employees are not the best reference.
If the Raiders part ways with Bisaccia, he won't be a hot head coaching commodity. For a reason. Sentimentality got us into this mess, let's not double down on it.
Mark Davis engineered the whole Gruden II chapter and blew it. It was a retrograde idea, driven by emotion and sentimentality, fiscally ridiculous, and frighteningly binding.
Then Davis caught a break with the whole Gruden scandal. I don't like how it went down, I think it was dirty business, but it happened, and it gave Davis an unexpected mulligan, perhaps the mulligan of all mulligans considering Gruden's contract-to-performance ratio.
Ruggs? Arnette? Disgraceful, and Davis knows it. This is a team that talked about "character." You can't miss that wide of the mark, certainly not in the first round. That's like kicking an extra point and bouncing the ball off a cheerleader posted parallel to the 15 yard line.
That's why Mayock had to go, even if he was Gruden's puppet. Not to mention so many other blown picks. Everybody knew about the first round "reaches" in real time. Yet here were the Raiders, outsmarting everybody, most notably themselves.
On top of that, the President, CFO and controller were jettisoned. What a year.
So here we are. We could talk all night about personnel, about whether or not Derek Carr belongs to our future, etc. That's for another day, and for the next regime to figure out.
For now, it's time for Davis to get out of his own way, make a very shrewd GM hire, followed by a very shrewd head coach hire (untethered to the past bugaboos of emotion, sentimentality, the "Raider Way," so-called loyalty, being cheap or any of the other factors that have conspired to create such a dreadful hiring record).
The fact that Davis seems prepared to make big changes after the team's best season in ages is what has me excited. It suggests that he's getting his head on straight. That being mediocre to "almost" is not good enough.
Now he needs to curb the old impulses, make a clean break, and do better, a lot better. Hire better, draft better, do better, win more.
There's long been a saying, "The Greatness of the Raiders is in Its Future," which sounds nice but is really rooted in nostalgia. Stop that bullshit now. Retire all the slogans, the same old ways, the winging it, the "outsmarting," etc.
Look at every impulse that led you to Gruden II and RUN THE OTHER WAY.
If there is greatness in the future, it will come from psychically distancing the team from slogans like "The Greatness of the Raiders is in Its Future."
Act like a startup. Rethink everything. Hire really smart people, outfox the competition, modernize the organization, and run things better.
Create an entirely new Raider Way. The clock is ticking, but there are signs of hope. Starting with the firing of Mayock and the search for a new head coach.
The future is bright, because the Raiders appear to be making a break from the past. It's a great way to cap off a notable year, and it makes me excited about what lies ahead.
posted by Raider Take at 7:22 PM
218 Comments:
Damn, RT! And there you have it. The truth shall set you free!
Unfortunately, the bar has been set too low by so many Raiders fans who were completely satisfied to expend half (or more) of Gruden's 10-year contract term just to win a playoff game. Mostly, the same folks now believe Bisaccia is the answer to the Raiders "next level HC."
I don't want to discount a 10-win season either, but I'm worried the Raiders won't be able to duplicate five walk-off wins (3 in OT) and two wins against badly COVID-depleted teams. Some of those wins came on pure emotion. Raiders made plenty of mistakes during that period but managed to salvage a respectable year.
In the end, the ground is still shaky. The writing was on the wall for Mayock before Gruden left. Again, some fans think the improbable 10-win season suddenly cures all his failures with personnel. It doesn't, especially, if you hope to piece together a perennial winner before your best players' contracts expire..., or they retire.
Bissacia is a great guy and players clearly love him. I half expected (maybe still do) that Davis would retain him, and I have been preparing myself for that outcome. However, Bisaccia lacks qualifications and experience for that promotion. At a minimum, with his skill set, Bisaccia would need two topflight coordinators and a savvy personnel-minded GM, none of which the Raiders currently have.
So here we are. I'm with you, RT, waiting for Mark Davis to mature into a formidable NFL owner, take the extraordinary mulligan he's been gifted and set a new course for our beloved Raiders.
Take, I agree with this. Although I'm not happy with Mayock being let go, I felt Gruden hired him for late round picks. Gruden wanted to focus on getting "his guy" the first two rounds, and then let Mayock have the rest. This is what is being reported around the League. If that is the case, then Mayock deserved a year without Gruden.
With that said, if Mark is going after Harbaugh, then Harbaugh wants to bring in his own GM. I really hope not, because this mentality is part of the problem with Mark Davis, who is clear he knows what he knows, and doesn't know what he doesn't know.
Currently, I think Brian Flores and Eric Bienemy are better HC prospects than Harbaugh. I also think Harbaugh is more conservative as an Offensive Guy, and this is about to get ugly if he is our HC. I was hoping for an exciting hire, and Harbaugh is not the guy for that, just ask Michigan. I think Olsen and maybe Bradley need to go as well. I say Bradley, but would like to see what he can do one more year with this group. But it seems that the AFC West runs all over him. As long as Wade Phillips is available, I think Bradley has to go.
I know that some are going to find my take as unduly harsh. But as cool as this season turned out to be, our margins of victory were so slim and at times improbable; it is only at our own peril that we put too much stock into eking into the Wild Card spot.
Reggie McKenzie inherits Gruden, Gruden jettisons McKenzie and hires Mayock, but then it's unclear how much of a say Mayock really has, then we make a bunch of terrible draft picks and free agent pickups but hit some home runs in the later rounds, then the president, CFO and controller get jettisoned amid murky circumstances, then Gruden gets canned while two young first round picks get jettisoned for criminal behavior, so we promote a coach from within who does a bangup job of holding things together and somehow squeaking us into the playoffs.
Now we're left with a GM with a questionable track record because he was part of this failed Gruden II experiment; and an admirable interim coach who nevertheless would not be a hot commodity if he hits the open market.
I don't think you can look at all this and say, "Wow, what a smart plan this is all built upon, we're close to creating something great here."
I think it's time to look in the mirror and make a clean break, as harsh as it sounds. I don't see another way to building something truly sound and sustainably great.
I'm not buying that Mark Davis knows what he doesn't know anymore. IMO, he no longer knows what he doesn't know, and perhaps never did. Arguably, that's why were in this mess.
That said, what Mark Davis did know is that he wanted Mayock gone. No hesitation there.
Bisaccia is scheduled to interview with Davis today.
So far, it looks like Davis is pulling names from the phonebook. A Bears assistant exec for GM? I don't know the guy, but the Bears? Bears GM office can't field decent team and made a terrible trade for Mack? Also, they've made one bad QB decision after another.
I certainly hope the Raiders don't fall into a similar downward spiral as the Bears (who beat the Raiders at LV this year!).
These decisions that Davis faces are critically important.
NY, Did you say they made a terrible trade for please do tell, explain.
Sandy
Ownership:
Ummmmmm.....excuse me! why do you think new owners will make things better except finally ridding the NFL of the Davis family?
You gotta know Raiders will suddenly start winning but it would be more of a show than anything else because the NFL would support anybody but the Davis family.
Since you think 31 other owners were better than Al than you must explain the sudden success of a clearly mediocre team to yourselves. Ask yourselves is this playoff trip ANYTHING like the way Al's teams prepared for the playoffs and what he'd be satisfied with?
Think some billionaire is going to somehow find the right people to run his team compared to a guy who was a football man?
Yea you do. You think all you need are a group of guys spending and letting football guys handle things and you'll succeed.
Going to the playoff but not putting Raiders at the highest expectations is a terrible situation the fans have supported. The NFL really doesn't care for the Davis family but put Raiders in L.V. to make the league money.
A playoff appearance really shouldn't be what we support if the team isn't in the control of the owner and isn't working hard to be a winning team.
You support mediocre drafts and free agent signings and going into the playoffs with a mediocre team when Al wanted to win it all and didn't care to just go to the playoffs to lose.
Al spent and built talented rosters and at least had teams that looked like they should be winning. Fans need to look at the last of Al's teams and see that they had as much talent using bigger, faster guys to win as 'model franchises' with good coaches and high character players but somehow couldn't.
Bad Coaches?:
Kiffen: immature now one of the best coaches in college football.
Turner: I bet the Chargers don't think he was a bad coach.
Hue: Was an outstanding OC and got offense going. You said he threw players under the bus but how do you deal with not making the playoffs for the legend when he passed away? Al made him HC because he was a decent leader. He is a HC in college.
Why do you think some coach is going to fix this without the personnel that Al could've found for him?
YO Money!:
The Raiders have always tried to have a good relationship with its' fans but lately they've been charging high prices for their games. You should protest and try to get a commitment to keep prices affordable especially for fans from CA and who were season ticket holders from other states.
The New Culture?
So, the Raiders do everything they can to ERASE Al's hand in the team and you KEEP talking about culture changes?
Reggie's culture: fire, release, manage the salary cap, draft high character players and go for cheap free agents and hire inexperienced coaches.
Raiders were pushed around by teams not trying to out match them with speed, size and star free agents anymore. Team had some of the worst defenses and offenses in team and NFL history. Had 1 outstanding draft but mostly mediocre-average-good players.
Gruden-Mayocks Culture: Bring back a LITTLE Al culture, draft high character players-reach for them too, be cheap in free agency, try to find decent starters at key positions in free agency (N. Agohlor), look for talent on other team's practice squads.
A culture where front office liked to trade a lot. Made huge steal of draft picks in Mack trade. Tried to find a WR in trades with Steelers. Whiffed on lots of Bears' and Cowboys draft picks(Mack and Cooper trades) and Steelers got lots of picks from bad trades with Raiders. And they also gave the Bears a 2nd round pick in the Mack trade.
Culture traded away star C and allowed Pats to get Trent Brown back for a 7th round pick.
A culture of not using or going too far:
Not using Mariota as a throwing QB. And signing J. Witten when they already had maybe the best TE unit in the NFL and letting N. Agohlor walk.
Sandy,
I know you scour my posts but I've never said the Raiders got hosed trading Mack to the Bears. I don't remember ever discussing the Bears side of that deal. So, as much as you'd like to jump on the statement above, you'd be conflating two different issues.
More relevant here, I know this thread is eating away at you. Perhaps you like to chime in with your take on the matter.
Headlines this morning:
A - Michigan insider says Jim Harbaugh would take Raiders job if offered.
B - NFL insider says Mark Davis top choice for HC is Jim Harbaugh.
This has the build-up of a grade school crush.
Davis fumbled the firing of Mike Mayock. Could he now be fumbling the transition from Bisaccia to Harbaugh?
NY, okay I will take the bait. I continue to strongly believe Jim Harbaugh is the next Raider coach. Why? A few reasons
1) Mark so far has only interviewed Jerod Mayo and Bissacia. So either the job is going to Rich or he interviewed Rich as a courtesy and May to fulfill the Rooney rule and Harbaugh is ready to go
2) Jim has not interviewed with other NFL teams it's the Raiders or staying at Michigan
3) Mark is interviewing a select group of GMs that seem to have ties to Harbaugh.
4) People lile Pep Hamilton have turned down other interviews and are waiting to join Harbaugh's staff. Maybe Vic Fangio which should make Nate happy as Wade Phillips is like 85?
5) Mark does not do small time when it comes to coaches he got burnt by Dennis Allen once already
Not sure why you are down on Mark he is doing what you wanted getting rid of Mayock and trying to bring in a big time leader as coach. I much prefer that over some "boy genius" like that loser Brandon Staley.
Assuming David Shaw is not in the running my number one choice is Harbaugh, two would be Brian Flores, three would be Rich
Sandy
That's not entirely what I meant by your take, but interesting. Obviously, I can't confirm or deny (thru media) any rumors you mentioned. However, the issue with Mayock was that he reportedly learned of his firing through the media, maybe on Twitter, and not directly from MD. That's lame and, frankly, a bit classless. Mark Davis comes off as being eccentric like his dad but without the chops. He has so far failed as owner of the Raiders.
Before you question my last statement, Davis's carousel of GMs and HCs and losing record since taking over the ownership role is, by definition, failure. And there's no guarantee that turning over Gruden-like control to Harbaugh will remedy that problem.
Everything he does seems half-assed. It would be nice to know, regardless of who is hired at whatever position (e.g., GM, HC, locker room staff), that the proper vetting process was conducted and the best possible option was implemented.
We shall see.
NY,
I agree with you regarding Mark's track record as it relates to wins and loses. Though it seems like things are headed in the right direction now. As long as this reset does not set us back. Mark is for sure eccentric but so what compared to the Bidwills, Brown's, Haslem, Spanos he is a saint.
On the business side he has been a huge success in terms of results.
Sandy
On the business side? Aren't wins/losses his business?
What successes does he have? The stadium was a gift. That was like hitting a beachball with a baseball bat.
Is he in another business we don't know about? Women's Basketball?
Video on PFT with Florio and Simms talking Jim Harhaugh and kinda' rippin' him a new ass. Simms outright says Harhaugh is a nut. Both seem to agree he's a high-level coach but worry he might flame out quickly due to his abrasive personality.
He took SF from 6-10 to a play from the SB his first season, and into the SB his second season, which he lost to John Harbough. Therein lies the desire to get back to the NFL and win a SB.
But, so far, Harbaugh is not reported to have spoken to a single team. Is he just waiting for Mark Davis to parachute in and get him?
Another name talked about (for any team looking) was Josh McDaniels. I know he kind of flamed out on his first attempt as HC, but he's been a top-flight OC who's performed well with veteran QBs. He's not likely to join the Raiders as OC but HC could be a real possibility. He could help take Carr to the next level.
Some key quotes from a Vic Tafur piece in the Athletic:
“Which is why Davis seems to be doing his due diligence…”
“For as much as he loved Gruden, Davis realizes he gave him too much power.”
“One has to figure if Davis was sold on the progress made this season, he would have rolled it over with Mayock and Bisaccia. But he didn’t, and despite the players calling for Bisaccia to be brought back, Davis is looking for the new face of the organization.”
Saying Mark Davis is doing "his due diligence" presupposes he's qualified to make judgement on something he admits to having limited knowledge.
If he hires Harbaugh, he likely will be surrendering Gruden-like control.
Mayock is toast but I'm guessing Bisaccia is still part of the conversation.
Remember when Al would just hire someone on a whim? There was no due diligence with Al, at least that was publicly known. He'd conduct a second interview if the first guy turned him down. That's how we got Lane Kiffin... sloppy seconds.
NY.
Are you really asking me why Davis is a great business man. You are really out of it or blinded by your hate.
How about the fact the Raiders are worth 3.5 billion now versus 750 when Al died. How about taking Sheldon Adelson and the state of Nevada to the cleaners to get a free stadium it was not given to him as you claim, it was not luck it was shrewd moves after the NFL screwed the team out of the LA market (see article below). Postive operating invcome. Bro, I worked at BofA for 20 years in the merchant banking division I know how to recognize creation of value and even if you were blind you could see it or in your case maybe not. Compare what has happened in terms of value versus the Chargers who did get to go to LA. Damn compare it to the Rams who spent 6bln of their own money on a stadium but are only worht 1 billion more than the Raiders.
Wins and Losses are seperate from the economics of the team.
Mark might have won the lucky sperm club but he is not a loser like you say and others want to make him out to be. He is down to earth and has got a lot right.
http://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/19143486/the-story-how-owner-mark-davis-moved-raiders-las-vegas
Sandy
Chiefs signed Damon Arnette to a future/reserve contract. So there is still hope..., err, for the Raiders to beat the Chiefs.
Whoever handles the draft this year for the Raiders, please let them avoid the bizarre reaches of past regimes.
Sandy, clever spin but the change in value is, as you point out, directly tied to the stadium which Davis was given the red carpet treatment. The stadium is bigger than Davis or the Raiders, and is the result of massive capital and years trying to get an NFL team to LV. Mark Davis could have been in a comma and pulled that off.
I'm still wondering about the mystery departures of all his business executives. What's that all about?
NY, you are back to your ways of letting your negativity/hate triumph over fact. Or is this just your way of putting flaming bamboo under my toenails.
Did you read the article I sent you. toenails. Give credit were credit is due, your coma comment is ridiculous
Sandy
If it makes you feel better, I'll concede Davis was a part of the move but in no way at the sensationalistic level portrayed by that article. The "bowl haircut" is probably the only absolute truth written.
This is the same guy who not that long ago, folks, including Raiders fans, were suggesting the NFL get involved with the Raiders org because they felt Mark Davis was inept.
That's tough to spin into genius.
And you can say football and business are separate but they're really not. It could be argued that Mark Davis, with a decade of bad decision-making, has hurt the Raiders brand as much or more than he's helped it. The unfortunate truth is, he's helped create a whole generation of football fans who only see the Raiders as losers.
Nobody should pretend it was just Mark Davis's idea to move an NFL franchise to Vegas, that's been floating around for decades. By denying the Raiders access to the LA market, the NFL was forced to concede the Raiders a relocation... not to mention the volcanic mess in Oakland.
So, in a perfect storm of Vegas capital, pure and unadulterated NFL greed and the Raiders about to be left behind in a cesspool stadium (and practically being chased out of town) while the Rams and Chargers basked in the construction of a shiny new palace, yes, Mark Davis pulled off a miracle move.
Now, he better not F-up GM and HC hires or he'll have more failure to add to his resume and we'll all be facing another five years of "almost."
At the end of the day, no Raiders fan should really give a rat's ass what Mark Davis or the Raiders are worth, only that he fields a winning team.
Cheers!
so, as far as some of the candidates being mentioned here for possible Raiders HC.
Eric Bienemey & Josh McDaniel. To me they kind of fall into the Adam Gase category. Gase made his name as OC for Peyton Manning, but without Manning, Gase was just another face in the crowd. I worry that Bienemey without Mahomes, and McDaniel without Brady would be far less than advertised.
Jim Harbough & Brian Flores. two fiery coaches that do not hide their emotions. the thing is that when you coach the Raiders, there are penalties, penalties, and more penalties. and just when you think you've seen all the penalties, there are even more penalties. That's just the way Raiders are treated by league, no matter who the coach. my concern is these guys could have a nervous breakdowns dealing with the absurd.
but, if it is Harbough, cannot be a crazy Gruden like, 10 year contract. no way. if a 5 year deal can't get Harbough out of Michigan, than Raiders should move on.
McDaniel has coordinated top-10 offenses for many years straight (ranking 6-7), including this year with a rookie QB. That's impressive.
Rumors around Gruden is that he rode the players too much at the end of the season, leading to season-ending collapses the Raiders experienced while he was there. That's where they credit Bisaccia for finishing the season so well.
I would guess Harbaugh and Flores are more like Gruden.
But I agree with Raider Take, you can't leave it up to the players to make this decision... but you do have to weigh that element and possible reaction from your franchise players, like Crosby.
I agree, it's touchy, you want your franchise players to be on board, and maybe a hardcore taskmaster like Harbaugh or Flores comes in and loses the locker room instead of instilling order and accountability.
I just think you gotta take player perspective with a grain of salt. We've heard it all before. For example, here's an excerpt from a old story on Hue Jackson:
"I'm excited about Hue getting the head coaching job," Raiders tight end Zach Miller said in a phone interview. "I really like the direction our offense is going and how much we improved. This was the best offensive year we've had since I've been a Raider. I'm excited to have the continuity." Jackson was popular with players on both sides of the ball in Oakland, with the defenders enjoying the competitive nature he brought to practice each day.
Now, I'm not besmirching Bisaccia by comparing him to Hue Jackson. I'm just saying that players are often an unreliable barometer when it comes to these things, so while it's cool that Bisaccia has won the locker room for now, that doesn't necessarily mean he's the best coaching candidate to construct a long-term, high-end winning environment.
Without much to work with, McDaniels did a bit of a faceplant in Denver and he dissed the Colts, walking out on them after agreeing to take their HC job. This all happened many years ago. But he's had a lot of experience under Belichick since then. He's a very talented OC who reportedly makes about $1.0M per year. HC job should pay at least 3x that (my guess).
He has to be one of the top HC prospects out there. And the idea of him working with Derek Carr has to be interesting to both McDaniels and the Raiders. Carr is a veteran at reading defenses and calling plays at the LOS, and could benefit immensely from having someone like McDaniels as his coach... as opposed to Olsen.
The more I think about it, the more I believe this is the perfect marriage.
I strongly believe with players like Carr and Crosby, Waller and Renfrow, et al, the Raiders are the best team looking for a new HC. It's as plug-and-play as a team can be when looking for a new HC.
NE lost their franchise QB and have since remained formidable. McDaniels may be able to tap into assistant coaches in NE for positions with the Raiders, possibly even DC.
This is the direction I am currently leaning.
Here is something to think about. Is it time to re-invent the "Raider Way?" The last time the "Raider Way" as we know it worked when Tom Flores took over for John Madden, and the last time it was semi-successful was Art Shell's first go round.
Is it time to scratch how we have always done things, and let Mark Davis be creative and reform the team we all love? Something I've been thinking about a lot lately, after all, this isn't rocket science.
With all due respect, I think it is rocket science. Otherwise, we wouldn't be 19 years and still counting.
Not sure I know what you mean by the Raider way. Does that mean staying unconventional and keeping Bisaccia? Bisaccia is, plain and simple, under-qualified. Keeping him for the Raider Way at the behest of the players seems a bit too nostalgic.
Raiders can do better, and should.
Nate75, i totally agree with you. we all loved the Al Davis/Madden/Flores/great players, that formed the "Raiders Mystique'. but i think the Raiders are a little over the top with it. the "Al" decal on helmet, the Al eternal flame, and now the Madden flame. Raiders are only team with one foot firmly planted in the past.
When you watch Cowboys, there are no constant images of Tom Landry. Steelers do not constantly remind of Chuck Noll. Packers talk about star Qb Rogers, not Vince Lombardi. Dolphins don't constantly bring up Don Shula.
point is, we know all the names above are legends of the NFL. no one is forgetting them. but Raiders act as if Al Davis is going to return one day in a space ship to dominate football all over again. as Rick Pitino might say, "Al Davis isn't walking through that door".
here's something Mark Davis can do to forge a new path for Raiders. play around with the uniforms. now Al would never touch the uniform, but that was Al, be your own man Mark! there are so many cool, creative, things to start to make the Raiders relevant
again. how about an all black uniform? or a metallic silver helmet? just think out of the box a little.
we don't have to forget Al Davis, we can honor him. but if we're waiting for another Al Davis to save the day, it just not gonna happen. the best way to honor Al is to move forward, and win again.
GS
Change the uniforms are you whacked. The Raiders uniform is the best uniform in pro sports period, changing it would be sacreligious.
Sandy
Headline: Nate Hobbs cited for driving 110 mph two weeks after a DUI charge. WTF?
.....
I've been thinking more about "the Raider Way" and it seems to me that way included interviewing as few candidates as possible. Al Davis's Raiders always operated under a cone of silence, but it was tough, even back then, to hide HC interviews. In Al fashion, Mark's last two hires included him reaching out directly to his eventual HC.
Perhaps we need to steer away from this pattern (the Raider Way) and sit down with as many leading candidates as possible. Elway has conducted 10 interviews for his current opening in Denver. I would guess that's more interviews than the last five Raiders HC hires combined. So Denver's process is thorough regardless how smart the end result.
Unless Jim Harbaugh is the next HC of the Raiders, it makes sense that Davis is interviewing for GM position first and, presumably, plans to have that person involved in hiring the next HC. That definitely makes sense.
However, if after a lengthy and drawn-out process, possibly lacking in substance, the Raiders hire within and make Rich Bisaccia the first special teams coach to become head coach then, yes, that would be the Raider Way, IMO.
Media are making connection between some GM candidates and McDaniels. McDaniels brings no guarantee of winning but that's a choice nobody could fault Davis for trying. (It's not like drafting Celin Ferrell with the #4 pick in the draft.)
If Bisaccia stays as HC - and I'm not totally against that option - make him at least fire Olsen and Cable... possibly Bradley too. Raiders need upgrades at the two coordinators more than they need a new HC. IMHO!
NY,
There you go again making up crap. Al was known for conducting extensive in depth interview processes. In fact Bellchick himself said interviewing with Al was an education in itself.
Sandy
Quote from Lincoln Kennedy: “I’d Like to see [the Raiders] get a new Offensive Coordinator, OL Coach”
Wow! That's practically coming from inside the organization... or perhaps about as close to inside as it gets!
Kennedy is obviously no fan of ZBS.
Even after playing an entire season of hybrid ZBS which Olsen and Cable run, pulling guards and tackles were whiffing badly on blocks. Most of the success Jacobs had at the end of the season came with power blocking... the bread and butter of great Raiders O-lines.
Olsen failed the Raiders before, and Cable was run out of Seattle (pun intended) for using ZBS.
Time for both to hit the road, again!
Sandy, i agree with you, Raiders have best uniforms in sports. but many teams wear "alternate" uniforms now days, a few times a season.
Why can't Raiders wear black pants with black jersey ? Why can't Raiders use a metallic silver helmet with same emblem on it ? Not saying all the time, but a couple of times each season.
Wow, if Raiders can't make even a simple little change such as this, i guess "The greatness of the Raiders is in the future", means staying totally stuck in the past.
The spirit of Raider takes, take was for Raiders to move into the future. to stop doing the same things over and over. what worked in the past, doesn't mean it will work in present time.
The Raiders have been a team standing still in the past, watching while other organizations have passed them by. We gotta change some things. if not a tweak to the uniform, then what ?
Sandy,
No, there you go again taking my posts out of context. Please point to where I said Davis did not conduct thorough interviews. Only that his interviews were sometimes few in number (for better or for worse).
You spin, conflate and postulate about my posts far more than you actually offer your own take.
You never did offer a response (take) to Gruden's firing being labeled a mulligan for Mark Davis. That depiction is in stark contrast with your expressed opinions on this blog that Gruden was some kind of football genius. Lay out that case for us.
Florio thinks McDaniels to LV might be heating up, at least on the Raiders end.
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/01/22/raiders-could-be-preparing-to-make-a-run-at-josh-mcdaniels/
NY,
Like you have any clue who or how many people Davis interviewed in 2004, during the 90s and 80s etc. You suffer from the same sickness this country is suffering from you confuse your opinion with facts.
At best you are basing your statement on the years between Shell part 2 and Hue.
As far as Mark goes give hiom a break, prior to this he has conducted one coaching search. That was Del Rio as McKenzie picked Allen and Mark always wanted Gruden so no search was done there.
My opinion is Gruden is a great coach, effectivley rebuilt the team twice, improved Carr and if not for a bunch of emails and the Ruggs incident had the team on the precipice of great things. They did get to the playoffs this year with the roster he constructed.
Sandy
Sandy,
Not sure how many times I need to say that virtually everything I post here is my opinion. Instead of complaining about my posts, prove me wrong.
Raiders have hired more HCs than any NFL team over the past 20 years or so. You can look that up, but I'm confident that's accurate. Yet, I would guess (IMO) they have conducted among the fewest interviews.
Look at a list of Raiders coaches, I can't recall another person interviewed for any of them outside of Rooney Rule and the like. Maybe there some sprinkled in there, but I can't remember any. Can you?!
I do remember Al interviewed Steve Sarkasian for HC, and Sarkisian turned him down. That's how we ended up with Lane Kiffin!
Other than Sarkasian and Ronney Rule interviews, can you even name any HC candidates that Al interviewed over the last 10-20 years of his life who did not get the HC job?
Elway has interviewed 10 HC candidates so far this year!
As for your comment, the team was on the "precipice of great things," did you happen to read media reporting from player(s) that the reason they pulled together at the end of this season was because Gruden wasn't there to ride them? That was pretty telling.
The mulligan is embodied in players statements like that and Gruden's own record. It's not good.
NY,
As I predicted your opinion which you try and state as fact is based only on the latter part of Al's life. Here's names that Al interviewed Sean Payton, Jim Hasslet, Jim Fassel and Bill Belichick. Furthermore how dare you say Al just interviewed candidates to comply with the Rooney Rule, it should have been the Al Davis rule as he was a Trailblazer hiring minorities and people of color.In your haste to citizens and hate the Raiders you make yourself look silly
Sandy
Furthermore every good run they had against Cincinnati came using outside Zone blocking again when you use incorrect facts to State an opinion you look like a dumbass.
Sandy
Sandy,
Once again, taking what I say out of context. It's tiring. Clearly, you are intentionally spinning everything that you can fit into your straw man toolbox. Your righteous diatribes are ridiculous. You take something as benign as me suggesting Mark Davis should perform thorough due diligence and twist it into being nefarious and evil. It's laughable.
You are constantly making excuses.
"Give Mark a break, prior to this, he's only conducted one interview."
those circumstances are "based only on the latter part of Al's life."
My personal favorite..., "Gruden was a great coach."
Those are just in the past 2-3 posts. This is your M.O., making excuses for an organization that has for the past 20 years (some might argue much longer) failed its fans.
For some crazy reason, you seem to be okay with the status quo, and you'll roll out any excuse you can to maintain it. That's amazing.
Poor Mark Davis, he hasn't had to perform at this level before so let's cut him a break.
Definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
I'm just one fan asking that we stop the insanity! Something has to change in the way the Raiders do their business. Otherwise, we'll be having the same conversation again in 3-4 years.
NY you will enjoy this
https://youtu.be/T68Ro3f9VUY
Sandy
I must say, that was the best weekend of playoff football I have seen in a long time. How do the Bills not squib kick with 13 seconds left? How do they not double team Tyreek and Kelce with 13 seconds left? How do the referees not throw a flag on Tyreek's peace sign?
Matthew Stafford threw a perfect pass to Cooper Kupp to win it for the Rams and knock Brady out. The Rams are 3-0 against the Bucs since Brady has arrived to Tampa. The Bengals took care of the Titans, and the 49ers took care of GB, where Aaron Rodgers is 0-4 in the playoffs against the 9ers. Green Bay only has 2 Super Bowls between Favre and Rodgers. Think about that!
The Rams have not beaten the 49ers this year, and are 0-3 in their last 3 games against them. The Chiefs beat the Bengals 28-24 in week 17. Most are betting on a Chiefs v Rams Super Bowl, and I think the Rams would be favored there. But, I am predicting a Bengals v Rams Super Bowl. The problem with the Bills is they got in a shoot out with the Chiefs. Had they been able to get consistent in running the ball, they would have won. This is where the Bengals are going to have the advantage with Joe Mixon. Their defense is stout like Buffalo's, and they create mistakes.
In the end, I don't care because the Raiders are not here. It was an exciting weekend of football though. Jerod Mayo coming into Vegas to interview for the HC job this morning. I like this interview. I still want Brian Flores, he is my top candidate.
Sandy,
Good stuff but the first example in that package kinda' proves my point. Parker completely whiffs his block and could have been called for block in the back. Leatherwood is late to his assignment and is totally ineffective. These two guys could have doubled the DT and been equally or more effective. That play had some nice misdirection because Waller went in motion but was otherwise all Josh Jacobs.
Listen, I guess I don't care what blocking scheme(s) they use as long as they're successful. However, I feel strongly that Greg Olsen and Tom Cable have failed the Raiders and should be replaced, regardless of who's HC. I prefer coaches who can scheme to the strength of players. I'm tired of them trying to force guys - who are otherwise talented - into playing a system in which they can't succeed. Granted, Parker and Leatherwood are exceptionally bad players.
Olsen and Cable have failed the Raiders before. Their retread with LV may have been domed from the start. I don't remember any excitement when Gruden hired either of them.
If you want these guys to remain, you and I definitely disagree on that point.
Lots of HC candidates rumored to be connected to the Raiders. This is heating up... and may show due diligence that I was hoping for. Although, GM v. HC is a bit concerning in terms of who should be hired first. Or it might require a package deal.
Nate, you're so right. Bills let a sure win get away. Even the announcers were pointing out that a kick in the field of play would have eaten clock. 13 seconds! Any they lost.
My takeaway from the game is that the Raiders need to do (or be) something exceptional to ever make their way through the new group of AFC QBs. Mahomes, Allen, and Burrow (and Herbert) are all better than Carr, and defenses can't stop these guys. Bills were #1 Defense this year, and Mahomes carved them up like a hot knife thru butter. And Allen did just as well.
At minimum, the Raiders still have a lot of work to do!
Check that Bengals v. Chiefs score again. I think Bengals won that game 34-28.
NY, you're right! Bengals won 34-31, and that is what clinched the AFC North for them. I must've looked at the wrong score.
I disagree with you on the AFC QB assessment though. Carr has proven he can hang with these QB's. Carr single-handedly won 5 of our 10 games this season, and he did a few of them very similar to what Mahomes did last night. If you replace those QB's you mentioned with Carr and they are still the perennial teams to beat.
And wouldn't you know that the beat writers have already begun the old story line of "Will Carr be traded" or "Who will be the QB for the Raiders next season?" Carr isn't going anywhere, and Raider Nation will be angry if he is traded and wins a Super Bowl elsewhere; which is what will happen if they do.
With that said, I agree that the Raiders (as a team) have a lot of work to do to compete with the likes of the Bengals, Chiefs, Bills, Dunder Dolts; but they are not far removed. Raiders are close, but aren't there just yet. The O-line needs upgrading on the right side, and the Raiders need a solid WR to stretch the field. Give Carr weapons and protection like Mahomes, Burrow, Allen, and Herbert have. It is all about coaching discipline, staying in your lanes, sticking to your assignments, etc. We have talent, but lack on the discipline (especially in our secondary and O-Line). Get those up to par, and the Raiders will be the team to beat. JUST WIN, BABY!
There are no assurances regarding Carr. IMO, let's wait and see who the HC is before we speak in absolutes. He's in the last year of his contract for ~$20M and could be due 2x raise if re-signed. Raiders new coach could get top value from a trade.
All the guys I mentioned above are better pure passers than Carr. I don't know how you can say otherwise. Mahomes and Allen were both lights out. Burrow has the makings of a true franchise QB and Herbert is an absolute gun slinger.
To his credit, Carr had six walk-off wins this year. However, in some cases, the Raiders were comfortably ahead before allowing teams to come back into the games. Not all Carr's fault, but at times, Carr was a turnover machine and created some of the Raiders problems before he undertook those comeback wins.
He struggles under pressure. There were a couple games this season which Carr inexplicably threw balls straight up in the air out of desperation. That's never good. Also, he doesn't have the mobility of any of the four guys I mentioned. They can all run.
Replacing Parker and Leatherwood, possibly Simpson too, could go a long way to helping Carr in the pocket. When he has time, he can keep pace with the best.
Saw my second report in as many days from a New Orleans beat writer that is saying there is a possibility of Sean Payton stepping down from New Orleans as Head Coach, for another HC job. If this is true, this is HUGE for the Raiders. Report says the Saints may be about to implode the roster for a rebuild, and Payton doesn't want to coach a rebuild, and wants to win now.
If true, there is no other team that is ready to win now than the Raiders. He would have his choice of coaching staff, and would be an upgrade offensively over Gruden, Olsen, and Musgrave. I'm going to keep my ears to the ground on this one. This is the third article in a month that I have seen regarding this. The latest Big Easy columnist to write this is Jeff Cavanaugh, and PFF posted a quote from Saints owner Gayle Benson saying that we will know soon enough what he decides, and that she didn't know what he wanted to do. This could be HUGE!!!
Also, a new GM and a new coach means roster changes. Players we think should return that probably won't. I don't think Derek Carr is one of them, but he is entering his last year of contract. IMO, he is one of the sole reasons we had a winning season this year, and is a Top 5-7 QB in the league. I don't know why there is so much hate for him, but there is. With that said, here are some players I expect to be let go. Clelin Ferrell, Corey Littleton, DeSean Jackson, Zay Jones, Mariota, Incognito, Edwards, Jonathan Abram are all people I expect to be gone. Maybe Alex Leatherwood, Derek Carr (depending on QB situation), Brandon Parker, Mark Carrier, Jonathan Hankins (because of Darius Philon and Gerald McCoy), and a few others. I think O-Line, WR, and DB are going to be the big focus this offseason. Build around Kolton Miller and Andre James. James had a slow start at Center, but really blossomed into a leader and became comfortable.
It's going to be one of the most exciting offseasons in a long time. The potential of the Raiders getting Sean Payton is real if he decides to step away. If he does, he will be the #1 Candidate. Patience is key. JUST WIN, BABY!
Ian Rapaport is reporting that Sean Payton is stepping away as Saints HC.
NY,
To your comment of:
"All the guys I mentioned above are better pure passers than Carr...Replacing Parker and Leatherwood, possibly Simpson too, could go a long way to helping Carr in the pocket. When he has time, he can keep pace with the best."
The QB's you mentioned were not pressured as much as Carr has been in the last few years. If you give Carr the time that the QB's you mention have year in and out, then Carr can and will compete with them. In possibly the year he faced the most pressure since his rookie season, Carr outshined the league, had the most passing yards of his career. Yes, he made more mistakes than the QBs you mentioned, but that is what pressure does. Pressuring the QB causes mistakes! That is why the QB must go down, and must go down hard! Yet, in the face of all of this, he proved that he wasn't shaky, he proved that he can handle it, and still come out victorious. Imagine what he can do with the protection that Mahomes, Allen, Herbert, Burrow, Brady, Stafford, Rodgers, and Kyler Murray gets. I will tell you what he will do. He will do just like he did in 2016! And now that he has matured, he will out play any other QB in the league if he had a line like he did in 2016.
Give Mahomes, Herbert, Allen, Rodgers, Brady, and Murray the line that Carr had this year, and see how well they do. We've seen Stafford with that kind of line in Detroit, and he was good, but never led his team to the playoffs like Carr just did.
Nate,
I'm not down on Carr. I'm a big fan, and I'm confident he could shine with the right protection. However, I know you watched the Bills Chiefs game. Both those QBs were under tremendous pressure and look what they did. Mahomes is a freak who can throw from any angle anywhere on the field, or run for 30-40 yards at a whim. Josh Allen is a big guy. He grips the ball like a vice and can run around or into defenders. And I think Burrow was sacked some crazy number like 9 times in his win over the #1 seeded Titans. He is a relentless competitor.
Carr has been questionable when under duress. In addition to being called out by Bosa, he threw a few ducks up in the air during games this season that still has me scratching my head why. He's become a savvy game manager, though he needs a better OC.
Let me ask this question: Would you take Carr over Mahomes, Allen, Herbert and Burrow? I wouldn't.
Carr is a top 10 QB but that's no guarantee that someone like Josh McDaniels would keep him, if hired as the Raiders new HC.
I think we all have to be prepared for the chance Carr might not be back. He's potentially 1st round trade bait, with one year left on his contract at about half his market value.
I want Carr to be successful but 8-9 years in the league without a single playoff win.
It was bound to happen. Raiders reported to have requested an interview with Todd Bowles. This guy scares me. He's obviously a talented coordinator but he failed miserably as Jets HC in his only HC gig. Personally, I see a guy like Josh McDaniels and his ability to work directly with Derek Carr far more valuable to the Raiders. Plus, McDaniels certainly could bring a competent DC to LV.
Anyone who coaches the Jets miserably fails, except Herm Edwards; who got who he wanted. Nobody else who has coached the Jets got that, Todd Bowles included. If they bring in a defensive minded HC, which looks like they may, then they better bring in the best OC. Vice versa with an offensive minded HC.
As far as the QB debate, I'm not going to speculate on "what ifs." The bottom line is we have Carr, not Mahomes, Allen, Herbert, Burrow, etc. Carr has proven every year here that he has the drive and knowledge to win; and every year this team has proven it is not up to the same level as he is with, now, 2 exceptions: 2016 and 2021. Now what is debatable is this: Is Carr the same leader today as he was 2016 and prior? No, the leg injury changed his mentality. Sometimes it is like he is playing not to get hit or injured, and that mentality is holding him back a bit. He is also not seeing the field the same as he used to. He is making quick judgments, and going through his check downs quickly. Is it because he's rattled? No, it's because he knows he doesn't have great protection, and doesn't have a lot of time.
I played QB, not at his level, but in High School, and I had an ok line, not great but not open borders either. Let me tell you, you do think about the next hit, and making the called play work. You do rush the checks and play because you want to gain yards and not lose. Derek Carr is playing instinctive, but his instincts aren't always matching the reality of the moment, and he needs an OC to help him with that. Gruden was helping him with that, and we saw major improvements from him this year. But he regressed a little with Olson, because Olson is not a good, nor even above average OC. In 2016, he played with confident instincts; and we saw a glimpse of that a lot this season. If he is going to lead us to the Super Bowl, he needs to play with confident instincts, and needs a coach that will help build his confidence. He needs a coach like Mahomes, Allen, Herbert, Burrow, and others have; a coach that is going to plan around his capabilities, and utilize his capabilities. Gruden taught him how to follow a system. Musgrave built around his capabilities. We need another Musgrave, and Sean Payton, Brian Flores, Eric Bienemy, Brian Daboll, Mike Zimmer can all be that guy. Jim Harbaugh is not that guy.
Nate, on those terms, one could say that anyone who coaches the Raiders "miserably fails."
Since 2003, when the Raiders latest drought started, the Jets have had six winning seasons to the Raiders two. The jets had four playoff appearances, including two conference championship games. Raiders have nothing to show for the past 19 years and are entering a another reset.
Bowles took a 4-12 Jets team to 10-6 in his first year. It's after that which he failed the team and the org. I fear bringing him to the Raiders could start and end similarly.
I understand that you don't want to speculate about QB but it's out of our control. One point I made is that Carr's situation with an undervalued final year of his contract is poised for trade. That could be a real issue for any new HC.
Also, I respectfully disagree that Carr is not the leader today he was prior to his leg injury. I would argue Carr is smarter and more savvy than ever. His football acumen has improved. IMO, and I believe this is your point as well, that's why Carr needs better coaching and better plays.
Sean Payton is retiring under contract. For the Raiders to get Payton, I believe compensation would be due to the Saints. And that's not cheap.
My list of candidates is shorter and different than yours, and it starts with Josh McDaniels.
Hobbs' DUI was dropped and he pled to a lesser charge for his speeding ticket. Looks like he's in the clear! Now the question is, can he stay clear of trouble, or will it find him?
Raiders are now connected to six GM candidates (interviews). That's a real good sign that due diligence is being undertaken. A big finish will require selecting the right guy.
Not sure how much muckraking is baked into this headline but, from brother of Derek Carr:
David Carr: “I Can’t Guarantee that Derek is Going to Want to Sign Up” for More of the “Same Thing” From the Raiders.
Geez! So which is it, does he want to only play for the Raiders or has he had enough losing with the Raiders?
Probably both.
NY,
If not Sean Payton, then my HC search starts with Brian Flores, Eric Bienemy, and Jim Caldwell. I give serious consideration to Rich Bisaccia as well, but the only way I pull that trigger is by giving him a real OC.
Jim Harbaugh would by my last ditch effort.
Again, I believe Sean Payton is not an option. My understanding is he's under contract and decided to retire. If true, the Raiders would not likely have access to him.
Is your disinterest in Harbaugh due to his tough style of coaching? If so, I think Flores is cut from similar cloth... although, I can't understand why the Dolphins fired him. He did a decent job with a bad QB.
Bienemy is obviously a good coordinator but where do his talents end and Patrick Mahome's freakish talents take over? This is potentially a trap for any team hiring him. Derek Carr is no Patrick Mahomes, but they do have a dynamic offense.
Jim Caldwell is a retread. He coached the Colts and the Lions. That's not very exciting!
My top pick is still my only pick at this time. Josh McDaniels will get another chance to be HC in the NFL. He is not a direct disciple of Belichick, like many others on the D side of the ball. McDaniels is the man on offense. He coached Tom Brady (and undoubtedly also learned from Tom Brady) and he coached Mac Jones to a very respectable rookie year.
McDaniels brings a special connection for Derek Carr. Assuming Carr remains with the Raiders - which I believe he will - he deserves to have a quality coordinator like McDaniels. At this point of Carr's career, none of us can honestly say if Carr has ever been put in a position to succeed. IMO, hiring McDaniels ends that shortcoming in what will be Carr's 9th season.
The clock is running!
NY, McDaniels is out. Lets go back to praying for Harbaugh. If that doesn't happen I don't see any of the other candidates a vast improvement over Bissacia that's worth taking a chance on
Sandy
Sandy, McDaniels is out? Based on what? This is the latest news I can find...
[Raiders] sent McDaniels an interview request Thursday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. The notoriously choosey HC candidate is expected to interview, per Schefter.
Of course, his rough tenure as Broncos HC and decision to spurn the Colts affected his standing within the league. In terms of high-level experience, however, almost no one in this cycle can match McDaniels.
McDaniels helped the fifth quarterback picked in last year’s draft — Mac Jones — have the best season among the 2021 rookie signal-callers."
https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/raiders_request_interview_with_patriots_oc_josh_mcdaniels_for_hc_opening/s1_14819_37100279
McDaniels was involved in three SB titles.
I like Bisaccia but, as Raider Take said, you can't leave it up to the players to choose their HC. That's potentially a huge mistake. Bisaccia lacks experience and ability to coordinate one of the two primary phases of the game. I don't think a ST coordinator is a smart choice for HC, unless, as I've said before, he has two solid coordinators... which he currently does not.
Even the players were complaining about the lack of aggressiveness on offense, and the Raiders calling plays "not to lose." That's lame!
Even more traction on the McDaniels front...
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/01/27/momentum-builds-toward-josh-mcdaniels-dave-ziegler-package-for-raiders/
If I'm making a list:
McDaniels
Harhaugh
Flores
Bisaccia - but must hire new and improved OC (maybe DC too!)
Have to admit, Bienemy is interesting... we score 2x. New HC and we pull him from KC.
In the end, I have no clue who's best for the Raiders. Just my gut.
Davis is almost too patient. I'd be frantic by now, unless he knows something we don't (like Harhaugh is already in play).
NY,
Sorry I jumped the gun based on a long article yesterday in the Atlantic by Vic Tafur saying unequivocally McDaniel was out. It shows you most sports writers even good ones like Tafur know nothing.
I think the situation with Harbaugh is he wants to coach the Raiders but is aksing for too much money and control and Mark is balking.
My choice would be 1) Harbaugh 2) Bisaccia (with new OC, I like Bradley Ikeep him) 3) Flores 4) McDaniels
This is all assuming that Payton is an impossiblity
Sanndy
McDaniels talk is heating up for sure. This could be a huge boost for Derek Carr. IMO, Carr deserves a chance to work with a topflight OC. McDaniels checks that box.
Maybe this time, Carr won't have to look over his shoulder while his HC flirts with every other QB not named Derek Carr.
That said, I posted on this board almost two years ago that I thought the Raiders should trade whatever it would take to get the #1 pick from the Bengals and draft Joe Burrow. Second year in the league and Burrow is playing in the AFC Championship Game. The kid is a fierce competitor. He beat the Raiders twice this year, and he overcame 9 sacks against top ranked D to beat TN in the divisional round.
What would it have taken to make that trade?
Well, the Raiders have had three first round draft picks since Burrow was drafted: Ruggs, Arnette and Leatherwood.
Need I say more?!
This is the mulligan that Davis has been bestowed. Time to right the ship on stupidity.
Face it, this is what pirates do. They pillage, loot, rob, fleece and lay waste to the rest of the league. It's been far too long since the Raiders did that. Fleecing the Belichick and the Patriots of their top coordinator, GM defacto and whatever assistants McDaniels would bring with him would be a good start... and a modicum of payback.
One last thing... Broncos might be pursuing Aaron Rogers. Raiders need to be bold and right the ship! 19 years is too long to be wrong.
McDaniels is coming in for an interview today (Friday). It's not a bad choice if he takes it, and would be a different mold of the normal "Raider way".
NY,
I am not a fan of Harbaugh because he is too conservative on offense. We'd be running an offense similar to what Kyle Shannahan is running in Frisco; but with a QB who can sling it. Not very exciting. I do love his hard nosed coaching style; which is why I like Flores. Not only does he have that grit to hold players accountable, he is innovative in all 3 aspects of the game.
If you want to see what kind of coordinator Bienemy was before Patty Mahomes, then go back a few years when Alex Smith came on board with the Chiefs from the 9ers. Bienemy was the OC then, and that ignited a huge change for the Chiefs. Bienemy is a guy who game plans around the strengths of the team; and that is what will make him a great HC with whomever lands him. Bienemy is not a product of Mahomes, because he was there before Mahomes; but Mahomes is a product of Bienemy.
On to the QB situation. If you don't want Carr, who is available to grab to replace him? That's the problem the Raiders have right now, who do you replace Carr with? You can't get Mahomes, Burrow, Herbert, etc. The best the Raiders can do is draft his replacement, let him sit under Carr for a year, and hope for the best! Though I think Carr is an above average QB, who proved it to everyone this year, the only knock against him is his win-loss record as a starter. I get that this is a what have you done for me lately League, but Carr has given us wins; and quite frankly, we would have been 5-16 without him this year and that is just a fact!
With that said, however, the plan of drafting the next QB; who do you draft? You have the same problem. There is one QB that did not enter the draft last year, that most thought he would. He decided to stay after the COVID season because he only played 4 games; but no one is talking about him because of his small school. Kent State QB, Dustin Crum. I love watching this kid play. He has a HUGE arm, and can run the ball and move the pocket (which is a nightmare for O-lineman, btw). In 2019 he was 216 Completions of 312 Attempts, 2,622 yards, 20 TD's, 2 Ints, 168 Rushing Attempts for 707 Yards, and 6 TDs.
2020 (4 games): 83 of 113 passing for 1,181 Yards, 12 TDs, 2 Ints, 44 Rushing attempts for 240 Yards, 4 TDs.
2021: 245 of 382 passing for 3,238 Yards, 20 TDs, 6 Ints, 161 Rushing attempts for 703 yards, 12 TDs.
For his collegiate career he has a .67% passing percentage (576 of 864) for 7,449 yards passing, 55 TD's, 12 Ints; with 477 rushing attempts for 2,071 yards, 24 TDs.
Draft this kid, let him learn from Carr for a year and be coached by either Flores, Bienemy, or McDaniels and see what he can do.
Mahomes is a product of Bienemy give me a break. Mahomes would be great with no coach lol. I think you need to keep in mind Bienemy is a product of Andy Reid.
Sandy
It's not that I don't want Carr, I never said that. The question is, can the Raiders, led by Carr, beat the teams with those other QBs? That's what they'll need to do to be successful.
That's a question for Josh McDaniels, or whoever is the next HC of the Raiders.
Reading more about Sean Payton, I think he simply decided to retire. But consider this, he was making $15M per year and left the Saints in a huge cap hole. I read they are $74M over the cap in 2022. How do you recover from that? The Saints are toast in 2022.
Dan Quinn is staying in Dallas.
Also, McDaniels was already making like $4M a year as a coordinator. That's as much or more than Al ever spent on a HC. Mark might not need Gruden money, but it won't be cheap.
NY, are you not the least bit nervous about McDaniels. It's time in Denver was a disaster lest we forget he traded up for Tim Tebow in the first round.
Sandy
Denver is a different situation than the Raiders. Denver was in a rebuild, and McDaniels was in a situation where he had to do what Elway said. With Raiders, McDaniels will have some sway with GM. Reports are that if he accepts the position, Bill O'Brien will be OC, and Don Martindale will be the DC. McDaniels and O'Brien will build a system around the strengths of the team, much like he does in NE with Tom Brady and now Mac Jones. The problem is I don't think he accepts the offer.
If he doesn't accept the position, then I'd interview Bill O'Brien, Eric Bienemy, and Brian Flores.
NY, Payton also said he is not done coaching, he just needed a break. Also said he had two teams already reach out, but told them he wasn't available to coach this season. The Saints are $74M without a QB too. Fire sale, and massive rebuild going to take place there.
Sandy, Mahomes is talented, and very coachable. Mahomes is a product of his OC utilizing his strengths. I'm sure a new OC won't change that because that is how Andy Reid has always coached. You cannot tell me that Mahomes would be the same QB with a coach like Jon Gruden, who is very much "do-it-my-way-or-the-highway."
Every coach has a coaching tree, so to say he is a product of Andy Reid, well great! Reid is a great coach, and apples usually don't fall far from the trees; yet there are exceptions.
Nate,
It was McDaniels decision to trade Cutler and Marshall and trade up for Tebow he had full personell authority. Elway was not even with the team at the same time as McDaniels. Denver was not a rebuild either. Come on man check your facts please your statements look foolish.
Sandy
Sandy,
Yes, I'm nervous about McDaniels, and Harbaugh, and Flores, and whomever.
I'm nervous about the entire process of starting over again. It sucks!
But let's put this into perspective.
It's highly unlikely Bisaccia, Olsen and Bradley were going to lead the Raiders to a SB. Bisaccia would have more clout if he could lose the dead weight, namely, Olsen, and upgrade GM and scouting.
McDaniels is a top OC in the league. That's exciting. His time in Denver was like 12 years ago. Since then, I'm sure he's learned and matured.
Derek Carr is the QB of the Raiders. If McDaniels, or any HC, decided to move from Carr, they better be right. Tim Tebow Part Deux is not an option. Cutler had a few shining moments in his career but was inconsistent, at best, and suffered from migraines or some physical condition that affected his play.
Thing about Carr is that he's a Class A individual. He's likeable and does not have a chip on his shoulder. He will work with any new coordinator, whoever it might be.
Carr threw 50 TDs in his final year in college. He channeled that skill set under Bill Musgrave but has been strapped with Class B and Class C coordinators most of his career. I believe Carr is better than his coaching has been. We need someone who knows how to tap into that. McDaniels did a very impressive job with Mac Jones this year and he looks ready to be a head coach.
Does hiring McDaniels preclude stupid moves? Of course not. But let's face it, if he trades Crosby in the same fashion Mack was traded, he won't last long (and he should know that!).
Also, if hired, this will likely be McDaniels last chance at HC. Broncos, Colts..., three strikes and you're out!
As I posted before, all I have is my gut instinct which, as you will I'm sure attest, has been wrong before. Just keeping my fingers crossed... and, yes, that's nerve-racking.
This is interesting. A list of second chance NFL coaches who failed, or were less than stellar, the first time around. The list is stunning.
https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/the_best_second_chance_coaching_tenures_in_nfl_history/s1__33540848#slide_21
McDaniels needs to be big or go home.
There was some talk earlier here about Raiders value. I was interested, so I looked it up.
Forbes published a list of team values for 2021.
https://www.forbes.com/nfl-valuations/list/#tab:overall
Raiders are reportedly worth $3.415B on $389 million operating revenue and -$5.1 million net income.
That's a neat trick, multi-billion-dollar valuation on negative net income.
Raiders are also the second highest leveraged team, at 45% of valuation.
Obviously, there are elements of valuation not published because the metrics provided don't lead to that result.
No doubt the new stadium plays a huge role and, presumably, that's much or all of the debt structure.
In the end, high valuation on negative net income is speculation, but against what I'm not sure. The NFL has ever-increasing TV contracts, and they just added gambling (Draft Kings partnership) on top of all the trappings of Las Vegas.
On the net income side, a lot of teams are reportedly in the red. I didn't realize football was a not-for-profit operation.
Maybe it's a trophy thing. Most NFL owners piss $5M so they don't care. It's like owning a Ferrari. Nobody needs one but most want one.
Then again, perhaps I'm looking at this incorrectly. Earnings and Dividends aren't all that drive value. What did Al Davis pay for the Raiders?
About $1.0 million?
Any of us could only dream of that kind of accumulated wealth.
NY,
On the value side, most NFL teams do not make a great deal of money and unlike traditional brick and mortat business they are not valued on a multiple of earnings etc. With the NFL it is all about the equity value as a scarce asset (only 32 available) and the tremendous growth of that value similar to all other sports as both a trophy asset, rising media values for content etc.
The Raiders do not own the stadium but derive significant revenue from it.
In regards to McDaniels, I think you are getting what you wanted in someone who will tailor the offence to Carr's strenghts. There is long term evidence of this in how McDaniels changed the system for Garappolo, Cam Newton, Brisset and perhaps most impressivley what he did with Mac Jones. I am not sure about McDaniels as a leader, defensive knowledge or player personnell but he will be calling plays best suited to the talent on the team.
Sandy
Could it be that pockets are being filled before reported income? We're probably reading what's being reported to the IRS.
Anyway, the newest headline I read wrt McDaniels is that Davis was "blown away" in the initial interview, which apparently took place last night.
It all sounds promising.
Maybe the Raiders value just went up, again.
Arnette was arrested again. Chiefs cut him from his futures contract.
What a loser. Unfortunately, the biggest loser is the Raiders.
My feelings to McDaniels is like any other coach. He will be the kind of coach he surrounds himself with. He needs O'Brien and Martindale's experience to help him grow. He needs a valuable GM that will work with him and the teams' needs to be successful. I don't care that he traded Jay Cutler away, anybody in their right mind would have done the same. Cutler was a terrible, lazy QB. Tebow looked to be the duel threat coming out of college too. He took the Doncos to the playoffs and beat the Steelers. His problem, he didn't have the coaches around him to succeed, and Tebow was more of Elway's decision than his.
With the Raiders, he is coming in with the way paved to succeed, and like NY said, if he can't succeed in this environment, he will never get another shot. And if he can't succeed, we know Bill O'Brien can, and he will already be on staff. I'm not opposed to this move, but I wish they would interview Flores and Bienemy before making a decision.
Nate you make up shit. Elway was not with Broncos when Tebow was drafted. It was all McDaniels he created three picks for him. You constantly State incorrect facts
Sandy
Apparently, the Raiders never had interest in Harbaugh. You really have to be cautious about what you read.
For as long as this process has taken, I agree with Nate that it would have benefitted Mark Davis to also speak with other guys like Flores and Bienemy, and probably Harhaugh. These are all top candidates in this year's coaching cycle and it doesn't appear Davis spoke to any of them. That's true due diligence and he could have started the process with zoom calls. Meanwhile, the Raiders interest in McDaniels kind of came out of left field.
Here's the point. I don't know who all Davis has spoken to about the HC position, but imagine talking X's and O's with Bisaccia then McDaniels? Of course Davis would be "blown away" with McDaniels' acumen.
Then again, Mark is not Al, so discussing actual plays and scheme might not even enter into the conversation.
I know I said my pick is McDaniels, but I'm more interested in Mark Davis making the right choice than making my choice.
Belichick has given McDaniels his blessing to take the Raiders job. When the Colts pursued McDaniels, Patriots countered with a $4M salary offer.
The most recent young upstart head coaches hired by the Raiders? Lane Kiffin and Dennis Allen. Kiffin had some chops but he was capped at the knees by Al, and we all remember the overhead projector presser.
IMO, McDaniels is light years ahead of where these guys were when Raiders hired them.
I think we can expect the decision has been made. It will be fascinating to see who McDaniels tags as DC.
One quick last thought:
What about keeping Rich Bisaccia as ST coordinator? It's not like he's getting other HC offers, and Bisaccia is not a guy that carries a chip on his shoulder. He's a class act.
NY,
You wanted Mark to do his due dilligence. I think he interviewd 4 HC candidates and 8 GM. Sound like a real process to me. I think Mark ws only really considering McDaniels or Harbaugh and has focused the interviews on defensive coaches per your comment about the D coordinator. My vote is for Bradley he kept the team in every game except KC and a lot of hte personell is suited to his schemes.
Bienemy is ot a top candidate and we will never know what really happened with Harbaugh. For sure there were discussions but not a formal interview. Perhaps he wanted full control and long term big money similar to Gruden and Mark was not into that again. We know the Raiders were Harbaugh's first choice not the Vikings.
I think the Raiders could do a lot worse than McDaniels and with the exception of Harbaugh or the continuity of Bissachi I don't get excited about the other candidates.
If you believe in Carr this might be the best choice and would disqualify someone like Flores.
Rich is going to Chicago as ST coach
Sandy
The bar shouldn't be in numbers. By my definition, due diligence comes when you interview the best candidates. I think Davis was obligated to interview two Rooney Rule candidates, and the only top HC candidate to be interviewed was McDaniels, i.e., unless anyone thinks Bowles is a top HC prospect (then you should speak with any Jets fan).
Not sure what you mean "per my comment about D coordinator."
WRT Bradley, he likely could improve on last year but is that good enough? Not sure. It drives me crazy when I see half the defensive backfield backpedaling before the snap. Moehrig plays so deep, the Raiders truly only have 10 defenders on most plays. The lack of blitzing on critical third and long often gives QBs far too much time to dissect the play.
I would bet it's a longshot for McDaniels to retain Bradley. The Raiders can do better.
Media reporting on leaked discussions between Raiders' brass and McDaniels:
McDaniels thinks the Raiders were too predictable on offense in the red zone.
In other words, the emperor has no clothes.
Cue the band!
Hard for me to believe Olsen will ever get another job as OC. The Raiders have clung to Olsen and Cable for so long, there's moss growing on their plays.
I thought Harbaugh was a done deal? According to this site, it was. The guy who said it was a done deal, admonishes another poster for not being real, unreal.
McDaniels have better matured, or he will lose the team very fast.
His coordinator hires have to be very good. And his leadership needs to show right away. If not, this could be a bad hire.
Harbaugh was never a done deal, and I'm happy about that. His lack of leadership where he is currently in Michigan is a detriment to him. He is constantly looking for the next move. Sandy, my bad, I thought Elway came in with McDaniels, but he did not, he fired McDaniels. None the less, McDaniels' time in Doncoland was without the GM and coaching he needed to be successful.
Dave Ziegler has been officially hired and announced by the Raiders to be the new GM. Ziegs was the Assistant GM in New England. The writing is on the wall that McDaniels' is our next HC. If that is the case, Martindale will be our new DC and Bill O'Brien will be back in the NFL as our new OC.
I do wish that we would have interviewed Flores and Bienemy; I agree with NY that would have been due diligence. I liked that he interviewed Mayo and Bowles. I was hoping he would have hired the GM first, then let the GM bring in his own coach. One thing is for sure, Ziegler and McDaniels know each other, and have a working relationship with each other. I'm excited about this.
NY, Bisaccia is interviewing in Jacksonville as HC, and in Chicago as ST Coordinator.
I thought the Bears hired him. I may have read headline incorrectly. If so, my bad.
Bisaccia is a class act. I believe in LV he would have been strapped with Olsen, Cable and Bradley in a never-ending cycle of failure. The status quo doesn't seem to work for the modern Raiders.
McDaniels can immediately improve the Raiders offense and make them a force in 2022.
Many think Bradley did a good job, but he really didn't. Raiders had the worst red defense in the NFL. That's significant. I believe it stemmed largely from lack of blitzing. Raiders need more balance on defense. They became as predictable on D as they were on O, IMO.
Have to say, it would have been easy for Davis to keep the status quo. Nobody would have flinched, and some would have praised him, including players.
Hiring McDaniels is a bold move, and clearly an attempt to supercharge the organization after decades of failure.
Players will quickly get over losing their buddy, Bisaccia. Not just because it's business but also after seeing what McDaniels brings. It wasn't that long ago (only a matter of weeks) since some players were complaining about conservative playcalling that led to slow starts in games.
To expand the point made in my last post, Raiders were among the worst Red Zone teams in the NFL, on both sides of the ball. That's not a winning formula.
There is more to Head Coaching than calling plays. The players have to respect their HC, or it will get ugly.
Coming in on the heels of a beloved coach, who the players would run through a wall for, to a guy who hasn't garnered respect as a HC, yet. Getting that respect will have to be immediate, if the players start questioning the new guy, it will be very hard for him to gain it back.
Coordinators will have to be 1st class. They said Mark swung for the fences, he still has a few more to knock out of the park, I'm watching for the coordinator signings, I believe this will give us a good read on how this is going to wash out.
What I'm hearing on the Coordinator level, Gus Bradley is interviewing with the Colts for the DC, so it is safe to say that he has been relieved of his duties in Vegas. Bisaccia is interviewing with the Jags as their Head Coach, and NY, I too thought he was hired by Chicago.
Rumblings are that McDaniels is bringing in Bill O'Brien to be the OC, and Don Martindale to be DC. O'Brien is being swayed away from 'Bama, and Martindale was released from Baltimore; as John Harbaugh is doing a total coaching revamp (they are about to lose Tee Martin as he moves from Passing Game Coordinator with Ravens to OC with the Bills).
If the rumblings are true, this is going to be a stout coaching staff! Carr, Waller, Renfrow, and Jacobs will be top notch players next year. McDaniels only offensive concern coming in is the right side of the O-Line, and a WR. Defensively, he will need to address the DB's. Maybe need to address the DT position, depending on who is coming back. I feel like this is going to be fire for the Raiders, either Super Bowl Championship fire, or a dumpster fire is what remains to be seen. Let's be clear, any coaching hire is a risk. I think this will be absolute Super Bowl Championship fire depending on who his coaching staff will be. McDaniels is a great hire!
Agreed, it's a balancing act in terms of gaining respect and coaching players. Funny thing is, winning can cure everything, fast. Players (and coaches) mostly want to win. But it has to be a good environment.
That said, McDaniels will be calling his own plays, so the OC doesn't need to have more of a presence than Olsen had with Gruden. McDaniels undoubtedly knows some rising star assistants who would kill for the chance.
Hopefully, McDaniels can also improve on the Raiders run of bad DCs. Guenther was so bad, he made Bradley look good. Raiders could actually move from 4-3 base to 3-4. Teams in the Raiders division are not going to recognize the Raiders.
I'm going out on a limb and predicting significant improvement will only take one year.
Raiders have a short window with topflight players like Perryman and Ngakoue. They will have to re-sign Carr this year, as well as decide what to do with Jacobs and others.
Player contracts and timelines like this is what made the Gruden 10-year plan so mystifying. That doesn't work in the NFL, nor should we have to wait for Halley's Comet to return.
McDaniels hire is official.
After watching that press conference with David Ziegler and Josh McDaniels, I want to run through a brick wall for them. I loved Josh's answer about what he has learned since his time in Denver. He talked about how he was young and didn't really understand the value of relationships and empathy with other people as a coach, and how that was his biggest failure. He talked about being picky with who he would coach next, and how he felt the Raiders were not far off, and how he wasn't going to come in and rebuild, but build on what was here. Translation here: he is coming in to build on the strengths of this current roster, and these players. This is EXACTLY what the Raiders needed.
I was also impressed that Mark acknowledged that the "rebuild" and tearing down the roster that Gruden did was unnecessary, and he did not want to face that process again with another coach. Like Mark Davis, I was blown away by this press conference and how Dave and Josh answered very tough questions. I'm excited for the next season to start already. JUST WIN, BABY!
Listening to that presser it is arguable that Mark Davis and the Raiders have just hired the two most cerebral architects of modern football they could have possibly found. It's not just all talk, these are the guys that helped make the Patriots a dynasty.
I'm impressed and excited for Derek Carr and the Raiders.
Here's the full presser.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q59Hj5oGVE
I watch the presser and came away less than inspired.
Sandy
Very interesting to hear Josh McDaniels talk about and downplay base defenses, citing that teams play sub-packages like nickel far more than base. But he also sounded committed to expanding what the Raiders already have in place.
When Mayock was hired he had zero GM experience, and he and Gruden had never worked together. Mark Davis cited the Mayock/Gruden era as "rocky." He more or less credited Bisaccia with all the Raiders recent success.
McDaniels and Ziegler are connected at the hip. There's a built-in synergy these guys have that will allow them to hit the ground running.
The bar has been raised.
Win or lose, I believe Mark Davis made the right choice moving the Raiders to another direction.
Sandy, why so negative?
Hey NY,
Glad to see you feel so good about this it makes me feel better.
I liked what Ziegler had to say he seemed intelligent and grounded. I find McDaniels to have what I would call a "punchable face"--lol.
Really to be honest nothing specific, I guess I am such a sentimentalist when it comes to the Raiders. I always think the Raiders do best when they have one of the family as coach---Flores, Shell, etc. and that is why I was excited when Gruden was hired.
I guess I was too fired up about Harbaugh and I am comparing McDaniels to him and he does not have the same gravitas and charisma. All that said, his answer about his time in Denver was strong.
I will give it the benefit of the doubt and hang on to something you have been harping on for years which is the Raiders need to come into the present and doing things the proper way in terms of org chart, heirachy and lack of cult of personality. It seems that is what motivated Mark.
Regards,
Sandy
I can appreciate the sentimentality of it, but I just don't think lining up our biggest and toughest guys against modern NFL teams is a winning formula anymore. Winning teams seem to find an edge. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
Also, I have faith that McDaniels can take Carr to the next level. That's probably what excites me the most about this hire. Carr is a top-10 QB in the league. If the Raiders can't win with Carr, they probably can't win. There has to be someone out there besides Bill Musgrave who can get Carr's best.
I agree McDaniels talk about his days in Denver was strong. His introspection about his own failures was inspiring.
Other awards:
Most uncomfortable moment: All the praise given to Patriots org.... mostly by Mark Davis. Yuk!
Most revealing moment: McDaniels admits to Davis, "it was a fumble."
I feel like the Raiders have just graduated high school and are off to college. By the time the 2022 season starts, they should be pros and ready to rumble.
The DC hire is going to be fascinating. Hope we're not disappointed.
This is from Vic Tafur Twitter
Davis asked each GM candidate to tell him a matching coach, and vice versa.
When Ziegler said McDaniels, Davis said, “I don’t even know if he’s available …”
Ziegler: “He will be if I come here.”
Sandy
Go Raiders!
You finally see the NFL not trying to con Raidernation anymore...now, they can pick the coaches they want for the Raiders.
Wow! Denver stint-Strong answers Really?
I guess any answer that sounds good will make Raidernation support the new guy.
Now he was fired twice and drafted Tim Tebow.
He also had the best QB in the last 10 years to coach.
Like I said, it ain't the coaches for the Raiders who drafted the talent it was Al.
And again just because somebody comes from a successful program doesn't mean they'll succeed running the show themselves.
Wow! this seems to happen almost all the time with Raidernation but this is plain funny.
You want to keep Carr and let Mariota walk after 9 years. If McDaniels can't see the talent of Mariota for Carr then you can guess what the next few years will be like.
The Pats seem to screw the Raiders no matter what and we just go along with it.
Now they are in the building more than they were and like Reggie you expect them to turn the Raiders into a winner.
What is this obsession with inexperienced front office people? With Reggie/ MD/ Allen we saw a terrible program yet we are supporting it again.
Look when Gruden was successful Al was the personnel man. When McDaniels was successful he was an OC, not a HC.
The Pats are unloading people on us and now with them all over the team will we see more trades of draft picks to the Pats.
Since we've given them draft picks for over a decade and let them get over on us with player trades (D. Gabriel, R. Moss and sending T. Brown back to them.)
and many guys signed as free agents by them(A. Brown, D. Burgess).
Al was the only one that got something for his moves (R. Seymore was a pro bowler for Raiders).
But like I said its' about modern franchises and big stadiums.
The team you want to see you don't want that system to be used by Raiders anymore because these people just don't draft and sign FA's anything like Al did.
Josh may do good or be mediocre we'll have to wait and see. But after 2 firings and Reggie's era I don't understand why Raidernation continues to expect them to make moves, draft and sign FAs' and have better personnel than Al did.
How long would you like the Raiders to live in the past? Comparing everything the Raiders do to the glory days of Al Davis is a bar the Raiders may never reach. We get that the Raiders used to be great.
Success breads success, just like failure breads more failure.
McDaniels was fired by the Broncos ~13 years ago (joining a long list of once-fired HCs, including guys like Andy Reid and Bill Belichick, who have since succeeded in the NFL). McDaniels was hired (not fired) by the Colts. So I'm not sure what second firing it is that you refer to.
And if Mariota was better than Carr, he'd be the QB of the Raiders. It's no accident that Mariota has been Carr's backup for his entire time with the Raiders.
I loved what Mark Davis said about this move; that it is not a rebuild or a restructure; but taking what we have and going to the next level. He went on to say that the current environment we have blossomed under Rich Bisaccia; however, he acknowledged that Reggie McKenzie broke ground and laid the ground work; Gruden laid the foundation; Bisaccia cultivated the environment; and now Ziegler and McDaniels will take it to the next level.
For me, if there is failure here to go to the next level is an indication that Mark Davis needs to sell the team, not just fire these guys. This is Mark's finger print to make the Raiders his own team; out of the shadows of Al; while celebrating what Al built. Ziegler and McDaniels both said it best too; that their success wasn't theirs alone; but a collective effort of past mentors and experience. Ziegler even credited teaching and being a counselor in High School. The past and history is not a collection of failures and successes; but rather the blueprints needed to "go to the next level" of change to further succeed. I'm ready for the 4th Lombardi and beyond. JUST WIN, BABY!
This is what I wanted but I acknowledge it's a high risk, high reward decision. McDaniels does not have a coaching record like Harbaugh. Harbaugh may have been a safer move, but I believe McDaniels and Ziegler together can be a powerhouse, potentially far exceeding Gruden/Mayock.
Key is for McDaniels to gain the trust of his players. Carr will make it easy for him because Carr is a class act. And when Carr is on board, others will follow Derek.
Brian Flores suing the NFL and Giants for racial discrimination. He thinks the Giants already had their HC picked when they requested to interview him. The NFL deserves this. It's what happens when you force issues that separate people by color and race. The Rooney Rule is a joke. Anyone who doesn't hire the best qualified candidate will get what they deserve.
Ummmmm......Dude Carr is a good QB Carr loves the Raiders I don't want to see him leave the Raiders but the position and salary says somebody has to leave but he's been here 8 years.
When Mariota plays the team gets pumped and moves. Not only can he run but he throws good. He should've played the rest of '20 based on his health and good plays made taking over for Carr.
We just don't like going after top athletes and ex-no. 1 picks anymore but we sure love hearing the same talk after another losing season. We forgot about some of the guys that lit it up after Al picked them up.
We go by stats instead of wins and loses. Carr puts up big stats but we still lose. He is a good QB but he just doesn't move the offense, take a system as a big scorer or ball control passer or make plays maybe its' time for him to start over in a new city.
The conservative movement continues the same ol' rules on size and speed being cheap and keeping guys who are above average a letting possible electrifying guys walk(Mariota) this time with the Patriots' system.
McDaniels? Wow!!
* Living in the past?!!!:
Dude....You have seen this team pick up people who
ruined a roster of outstanding talent.
fired some of the best assistants in football.
made the defenses and special teams some of the worst in the NFL.
refused to sign ANY star free agent.
did NOTHING to bring a winning culture.
allowed Al's ENEMIES to give Raiders advise.
whiffed on many draft picks.
Dude...it ain't the past its the new Raiders being terrible!
Ummm....dude 2 firing!!:
Broncos
Patriots
The long list of Pats hires who have been fired is long.
McDaniels had a defense in Denver and somehow the Raiders couldn't beat them to honor Al and make the playoffs but Wow! dude I mean anybody they send to the Raiders is some kind of
McDaniels proved that he isn't a personnel guy.
We want to be the most mediocre team in the AFC but expect to win. Just because the Patriots won with average guys!
I'm sorry but suggesting Mariota is a better option than Carr doesn't fly.
Derek Carr had six (6) walk-off wins in 2021, including three in OT, and he nearly tied the Bengals game in an impressive comeback. Not sure what more you want from him.
Carr's contract in 2022 is around $20M. That's about half his market value.
He is extremely loyal to the Raiders (more than others who have left by trade or FA) and will play out his below market contract without questioning its validity.
Again, I'm not sure what more you want.
Trading Carr for any of the top QBs in the league is not guarantee of success. Just ask KC, Buffalo, Tampa, GB, etc. None of those teams are looking to "trade-up" and get Mariota.
The grass is always greener on the other side. Raiders aren't going to solve any problems by getting rid of Derek Carr. Thankfully, I believe McDaniels and Ziegler know that, and certainly Mark Davis knows that. Ziegler's reply to media about Carr's contract was predictable. Ziegler can't play his hand and negotiate thru the press.
Carr deserves at least one full year with McDaniels calling plays. I am confident that will happen.
Cheers!
NY, agree. The only way the Raiders upgrade Carr is through the draft (and I've already made a case for Dustin Crum, Kent St). There is a reason Mariota has not started on a team since leaving Tennessee. There are plenty of teams out there needing a QB. Maybe he will start somewhere this season, but guarantee he won't be a backup on the Raiders this year. Every time Mariota stepped on the field this year, it was a running play, not once did he pass; so one cannot really compare him to what Carr did.
The grass may be greener on the other side, but remember the manure was laid for the grass to be green. If we want the Raiders to have green grass, we have to lay the manure. Carr deserves to take this team to the Super Bowl and win. I think he will have more than one year to do so too. Again, arguably a top 10 QB currently in the League. My list is: Mahomes, Allen, Rodgers, Burrow, Wilson, Herbert, Carr, Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson, and Stafford. I don't rank Deshaun Watson here because he didn't play this last year, and I don't rank Brady in here because he retired this week. Lamar Jackson is arguably on this list since he didn't play much last season; but when he's healthy, he is better than Deshaun Watson. Dak Prescott is on the bubble, and I chose Stafford because he has proven he is a top QB in this league and has done what Jared Goff couldn't do. I also believe that Jalen Hurts is a QB to watch this next season possibly break into the rankings.
There will be some QBs with new teams, and I believe Deshaun Watson, Mariota, Garrapolo, Kirk Cousins, possibly Aaron Rodgers, and possibly Russel Wilson will all be on new teams next season. I believe the Colts, Bears, WFT (Commanders), Texans, Giants, Dolphins, and Falcons will all be looking to trade for QBs.
I can see Garrapolo going to the Texans, I can see Wilson or Watson going to Chicago, I can see Mariota signing with WFT (Commanders) or the Falcons. If Aaron Rodgers is traded, it will be to a team like the Colts, who is primed to win. I'm not sure either go to Denver where they don't have an O-Line; but I can see Kirk Cousins going to Denver. Just some thoughts I've been thinking about. I believe you will see a lot of movement in the QB position, and it will be interesting to see how the draft affects this as well. Bottom line, Derek Carr is the QB the Raiders are moving forward with, and that was a draw that McDaniels said he had coming to the Raiders. Yesterday on a local Vegas News station, McDaniels talked about he has already set up a meeting with Carr to go over what he would like to see implemented in the offensive game plan in the next season to come. McDaniels is building around the strength of this team, and I believe this team will be better than this last season and the 2016 season because of it. I believe you will see DC control the game more at the line of scrimmage because of his cerebral play. I believe we will see the Raiders more than succeed this next season in all 3 aspects of football, offense, defense, and special teams. JUST WIN, BABY!
There are also a lot of QB's in the draft that are 6'0 and two that are 5'8". Kenny Pickett (Pitt), Carson Strong (Nevada), Desmond Ridder (Cincy), Aqeel Glass (Bama A&M), and Chris Oladuokun (S Dakota St) are the only QB's that are over 6'2". Dustin Crum and 4 others are listed as 6'1" on Walterfootball.com So that is 10 QB's out of 17 listed that are over 6'. Levi Lewis (LA-Lafeyette) and D'Eriq King (Miami) are listed as 5'8", and Layne Hatcher (Arkansas St) is listed as 5'11" are the 3 that are listed below 6'.
My Ranking for QB's in this years draft are as follows:
Every body is listing Pickett as the #1 QB in this class, but keep an eye on Carson Strong; I don't think he is far behind #2; these 2 are definite first round picks. I would have Sam Howell (NC) as #3, Aqeel Glass is who I would rank #4, and then Ridder #5, Matt Corral (Ole Miss) #6, Malik Willis (Liberty U) #7 are all potential 1-3 round picks. Dustin Crum #8, JT Daniels (Georgia) #9, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson (UCLA) rounds up my Top 10. I think Pickett and Strong are the only 2 who can start for an NFL team next season, the rest are going to need a year or two to sit and learn as backup. This is why I think Dustin Crum would be my pick. Re-sign Carr for another 2 years with a 3rd year option, and draft Crum to sit under him while building around his strengths. With that said, I would be happy also with Ridder, Corral, or Malik Willis as a back up; but I feel Crum is the better duel threat of arm and running. We will see. JUST WIN, BABY!
Drafting a QB is no way a replacement for Derek Carr. It would be a huge waste for the Raiders to draft a QB with the #22 pick, or even 2nd round, IMO. Too many other needs. Any QB drafted in later rounds is, at best, Carr's backup. And unless the Raiders get "Tom Brady" lucky in the later rounds, Carr is the man.
IMO,
Derek Carr starts, and McDaniels/Zeigler find a competent backup not named Mariota while carrying only 2 QBs on roster.
Meanwhile:
(A) Zeigler negotiates a contract extension with Carr; or
(B) Carr plays out his final year and gets franchise tagged or traded.
The other option to McDaniels/Zeigler is to trade Carr in 2022 while his contract is below market. Personally, I don't see that happening, partly because of Mark Davis. But that has potential for better-than-Mack trade value.
I'm betting Carr is the Raiders QB in 2022 and beyond. He can have a career year under better coaching.
Report:
"Josh McDaniels is keeping wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett"
I think all of us understand the significance of this. The first thing Gruden did was torch the place. McDaniels is already maintaining some continuity. This is a really good sign! Check your ego at the door. Let's put the best coaches and players in a position to win!
Carr should be given an extension. The Raiders can not do better unless they can somehow swing a trade for Watson at discount prices. I would trade Carr and our first rounder for Watson in a second. Watson is a top 5 QB and has a reasonably priced contract. Given the legal risks I would not give up two 1s and Carr
Nate, Malik Willis is an absoulte stud and if he is somehow avaialble in the second round I would be all over him. He is going to be a star in the NFL. I think he is the best in the class. He has arm strength like Mahomes and can run. He will be gone in the first round.
Next time any of you complain about Mark Davis just think about this piece of shit Stephen Ross. The man bribed his coach to lose games. He should be forced to sell his team. The NFL will do anything to protect its scum bag owners but this is too much.
Sandy
So file this under "wild idea".
Tom Brady "retired". Raiders keep Carr one more year, but do not resign him.
Tom Brady "un-retires", signs a 2 year deal with L.V. Raiders and reunites with Josh Mcdaniel.
Brady tries to win SB #8. Crazier things have happened, just saying...
Not completely insane but the Raiders would still have to tag and trade Carr or face getting virtually nothing for him. I think for Brady, the Raiders would have to first prove they are SB contenders before entertaining the idea of a move like that.
Maybe more intriguing (and realistic) is the pending availability of Dante Adams, who used to play with Derek Carr at Frenso State. Getting these two back together should be priority #1.
Imagine Carr, D Adams, Renfrow and Waller, with Ingold back and Jacobs healthy? Frig!
Zeigler will need to find a new RG and RT, and get Good back healthy at LG.
Raiders are that close on offense. Defense is a little murky still because we don't have a DC, but many quality pieces are in place. IMO, Raiders minimally need to add another quality CB, replace Littleton and supplant Abrams as starter (he's a liability in coverage but could still be useful on the roster).
I'm not pretending I knew either of these players in college but the stats don't lie.
Carr threw 454 completions for over 5,000 yards and 50 TDs at Fresno State in 2013.
24 TDs went to Adams, who had 131 receptions for over 1700 yards.
Both these guys want a reunion!
Headline:
"Two Notable Offensive Assistants have been Removed from the Raiders Website"
That's a huge weight taken off the Raiders offense. Addition by subtraction!
Cable and Olsen have been removed from the coaching page. Rumors are that McDaniels is interviewing Sean Desai as DC. He was the Bears DC last season, and ranked #6 in yards allowed, but 22nd in points allowed. Bradley is interviewing with the Colts as DC, even though he is still listed as the DC for the Raiders on their website. I thought it was illegal for another team to interview a guy in the same position; unless they had a new HC? What am I missing here?
Champ Kelly was hired as Assistant GM, who comes from the Bears serving as Assistant Director of Player Personnel. Raiders also hired Bo Hardegree as QB Coach, who served as an offensive assistant with McDaniels, and more recently as QB coach for the Dolphins. Doug Marrone will be the new O-Line Coach, and Mick Lombardi is coming over from New England to be the new OC.
Not sure of the DC interview, but Mack loved Desai, and loves Champ Kelly. Wouldn't it be funny to re-sign Mack, and win a Super Bowl with he, Derek, Mad Maxx, and others, and then email Gruden and ask, "Why couldn't you do this again?"
Also, I'm not saying that we should draft a QB in the first two rounds. What I am saying is that we should draft a QB to sit under Carr for a few years, to eventually take over as QB. Dustin Crum is that 3rd-5th Round QB we should draft.
Raiders probably gave permission for Bradley to pursue other employment.
Did you see that Flores' attorneys have cited Gruden emails and implicated the Raiders in his lawsuit against the NFL. Apparently, the lawsuit also references Raiders firing of McKenzie (which clearly was for cause but perhaps being spun into racism).
With his wide-reaching accusations, is Flores headed to Kaepernick purgatory by trying to take down the entire NFL. He might have a case against Ross but throwing barbs in every direction won't look good on his resume.
The Gruden emails cannot be pinned on the Raiders org.
Rumors circulating that Browns may have incentivized losing during Hue Jackson's tenure in order to secure draft picks. This is growing legs and could give the NFL a significant black eye.
Tanking was a heavy topic here before, but it reaches a whole new level when you're paying bonuses for it.
Did the NFL know and turn the other way?
Sean Desai as DC... from the Bears.
Desai runs a 3-4 and blitzes 24% of the time. Not sure how that's counted in a 3-4 defense. Does blitzing mean bringing more than 3 or more than 4?
Bears played zone 80% and Man 20%.
I would be fine with Desai he is super smart and has really earned his stripes.
NY, I agree they are casting the net a little wide with the Gruden thing. But it should not be interpreted as pointing a finger at the Raiders. I read the lawsuit and the Gruden parts are used as illustrative to the larger problem the NFL has with race at different levels throughout the league. It paints Gruden as a racist and buffoon while saying he was still part of the NFL inner circle and got numerous offer to be a coach.
Stephen Ross should be forced to sell his team. Bribing your coach to lose games is beyond the pale. I am not a legal expert on the mertis of the lawsuit but it sure looks like Flores has a great case against the Dolphins for wrongful dismmisal. It is ludicrous that he was fired and had nothing to do with his performance.
There is no doubt blacks are heavily under represented in the coahcing ranks. I was shocked whenn I read the Giants have never had a black coach at any level of their organization. That is screwed up. Obviously the Rooney Rule is useless. Hopefully in time things change as they have at the QB position. The NFL will be the better for it.
Sandy
It was bittersweet when Raiders beat Denver to end the 2020 season. The win cost the Raiders a draft slot, but it also clearly demonstrated the Raiders were not tanking anything. Of course, it was also a win that prevented Gruden from a third straight losing season. But he put the game on the line instead of tying it. It was the right call.
Even so, it's not a fine line between letting a game slip away (if the Raiders had done that and ended up with one draft slot higher) and actually paying or getting paid to lose games. That's scandalous.
Unless the NFL condoned that activity, or was involved, they should want to know as much as fans want to know. Right?
If it comes out that owners pay their coaches to tank, you will see multiple lawsuits against teams and the NFL from people who lost money placing bets. This would be disastrous to the NFL, and would be a bigger scandal than the 1918 Black Sox and Pete Rose scandals. Flores is burning the world down, Hue Jackson's foundation that he has, the president tweeted they have proof to his claims and will be revealing that proof. I don't think some of what Flores has said are baseless claims. However, I do think Flores will lose the Denver claim that they came in an hour late, and were drunk. Denver has pretty detailed notes on how everything went down.
I do think he has a case against the Giants, who made their decision about Daboll before interviewing Flores; and Stephen Ross, whom Al Davis said was a snake, and who has single-handedly destroyed that franchise. He's a kook who should be forced to sell his team.
On top of that, you have new evidence against Dan Snyder of the Washington Commies (as Al Michaels jokingly called them), and the case of the naked cheerleader photos. Dan should be forced to sell his team too. If these are all true, NFL will change as we know it, and there may be a new Commish, which is sorely needed. Goodell is a moron.
Nate, much of what Flores claims is conjecture. Even if the Giants already made a decision, they were not committed and could just say they thought highly of Flores for his work in Miami and wanted to get that last interview in. Flores did a decent job in Miami, and they should have retained him.
The other catch now being reported is that Flores may have had an arbitration clause, which I think means the NFL can pretty much handle this behind closed doors and sweep it under the rug... like everything else they do.
Lots of lawyers will make sure we never hear the truth.
If I'm betting on this, I'm taking the under and the NFL.
Did I miss something. I read yesterday that Bears' former DC Desai was hired to be Raiders DC. But now there's another report that Raiders are interviewing Giants DC for the same position.
Both these guys seem talented. Both beat the Raiders last year.
Allegiant Stadium is busy. East-West game, Pro Bowl, 2022 Draft, 2024 SB. That's pretty cool.
The NFL is rotten to the core. Snyder is a serial sequel predator and pimp. Ross a scumbag, meddler guilty of felony sports bribery. These two should be thrown out of the league.
Sandy
Nate I am interested in what you mentioned regarding Al Davis saying Ross was a snake. Where did you read that?
Sandy
And Gruden gets tossed for some emails that no one has ever seen. Is anything real anymore?
So far, the quality of coaching being brought in and interviewed is good, hope it continues.
Another new era and a glimmer of hope, seen this movie before, but this one may be different.
He said it when he saved the NFL from strike by writing the CBA before he passed. There were quite a few owners that he did not care for, and Ross was one of them.
In other news, Raiders sign Patrick Graham as their new DC, according to NY Post. This is another great hire by the Raiders.
Amusing Headlines:
"Hue Jackson: I was never offered money to lose"
That headline almost reads like he was disappointed. Face it, Jackson could have made so much more money under a system which he got compensated for losing (Raiders and Browns).
"Roger Goodell says progress on diversity with head coaches has been unacceptable"
As is now being exposed by Flores, the Rooney Rule is belittling to qualified minority coaches. No individual should be interviewed with less than the intention to hire, if properly qualified.
Anything less than full due respect to these coaches is disgraceful, IMO.
You can't cure stupid...
Some quality coaches being hired, this is a very good sign. When is the last time a Raider team had the quality they are signing now? You get the best coaches, then you get the best players and then you just win baby.
NY, well said you can't cure stupid and apparently in the case of the NFL you can't cure racism. It's a shame. At one time there was the same sickening attitudes about black quarterbacks. Thankfully that's changed and look how many great african American quarterbacks there are and the NFL's better for it. I hope in time the same goes for coaches.
Sandy
NEW ERA (REGGIE GRUDEN MAYOCK
D. Carr #4 (Reggie)
J. Jacobs #28 (Gruden/ Mayock)
J. Olawale # (UDFA, Reggie)
D. Waller #83 (practice squad- Ravens, Gruden/ Mayock)
N. Agholor #15 (FA, Gruden/ Mayock)
A. Cooper #19 (Reggie)
D. Penn #72 (FA, Reggie)
G. Jackson #66 (Reggie)
R. Hudson #61 (FA, Reggie)
K. Miller #74 (Gruden/ Mayock)
D. Carlsen (FA, Gruden/ Mayock)
KR R.
K. Mack DE (Reggie)
D. Autry DT (UDFA, Reggie)
S. Harris DT (UDFA, Reggie)
M. Crosby DE (Gruden/ Mayock)
K. Burnett OLB (FA, Reggie)
D. Perryman MLB (trade, Gruden/ Mayock)
V. Morrow OLB (UDFA, Gruden/ Mayock)
C. Heyward CB (FA, Gruden/ Mayock)
T. Mullen (Gruden/ Mayock)
C. Woodson (FA, Reggie)
J. Abram #24 (Gruden/ Mayock)
A.J. Cole #6 P (UDFA, Gruden/ Mayock)
PR J. Richard #30
All-Al
J. Campbell #8
DMAC #20
M. Reeece #45
Z. Miller #85
J. Vehldeer #74
C. Carlisle #66
S. Sateli
S. Wisnewski #61
L. Walker #66
PR N. Miller #84
M. Shaugnessy #77
R. Seymore #92
T. Kelly #93
K. Wimbley #96
R. Brown #57
K. Morrison #52
T. Howard #53
S. Routt #26
C. Johnson #37
M. Giordano #27
T. Branch #33
S. Lechler #9
KR J. Ford #12
B. Irvin (edge)
R. Streater (no. #3 WR)
H. Renfroe (no. #4)
L Murray (no. #2 RB)
F. Marreaou (no. #2 TE)
Hankins (3-4 NG)
N. Bowman (3-4 ILB)
K. Joseph (no. #5 DB)
#35 (no. #6 DB)
All-Al
T. Scott (edge)
L. Jordan (no. #2 RB)
D. Ausberry (no. #2 TE)
D. Moore (no. #3 WR)
M. Huff (no. #5 DB)
Sterling Moore (no. #6 DB)
Travis Goethal (3-4 ILB)
J. Henderson (3-4 NG)
pro bowlers:
Raiders '10-'11:
C-Bass, Lechler, Condo, Kelly, Seymore, Vehldeer.
Raiders '12-present:
Maurry, Carr, Hudson, Mack, C. Woodson, Cole, Cooper, Irvin, Jacobs.
Now, if you really think Reggie had to overhaul the team or that he did a good job then I am not getting it.
The Al Raiders are very good and should be the better team. The Reggie, Gruden, Mayock team had good player but they didn't have big name players or have filled areas with good players in positions to to add to talent and use talent to make team better and use talent to play better and show more well playing team against Al's guys.
Reggie made a good but not great OL and Gruden/ Mayock ruined it.
QB Reggie/ Gruden/ Mayock
RB Al
FB Al
TE Reggie/ Gruden/ Mayock
WR tie
OT Al
OG Reggie/ Mayock/ Gruden
K Al
Pass rush Al
DL Al
LB Al
DB Al
P Al
ST Al
Sandy, we can agree on some things, but I'm not certain we totally agree on this matter. IMO, it's not up to the NFL to cure racism, nor is it up to gov't or corrupt organizations. Attempts coming from elite politicians, corporations, etc. mostly just want to make themselves feel or look better but their policies can be demeaning and belittling. I think Flores shed light on this stupidity wrt the NFL.
Maybe we're saying the same thing... not sure. That's ok. I'm not posting this to sway your opinions; only to clarify my own.
Cheers!
NY, of course the NFL can't cure societal ills. In the past year their slogans and PR campaign has looked ridiculous when their own house is a mess. What's undeniable is that there seems to be systemic racism in the NFL it doesn't make all the owners bad but there are more than a few who are scum. Whether it's on the Discrimination side or the sexual harassment side the NFL needs to take a hard look in the mirror and improve themselves. Anyone who disagrees with that just needs to look at the statistics.
Sandy
No worries, Sandy. You can't be on the wrong side of wanting things to be fair for everyone.
Was kind of excited to watch the Pro Bowl this year because it includes some Raiders and it's being played at Allegiant. Wow, what a disappointment. It doesn't even have the energy of flag football. Not a single tackle. Just touch football.
However, last I saw, Maxx Crosby had three passes batted down and a "touch" sack. From my perspective, with Mack gone, Crosby has become the next Howie Long in waiting. It will be extremely disappointing if he ever plays in another team's uniform.
Raiders could see a lot of turnover in the contracts over the next two seasons. That's why every season is critically important to get it right.
There may be a chance that Mack is cut from the Bears, and he returns to the Raiders. That is the scuttlebutt in the League right now. I know he and Carr still get together and chat it up. Imagine Crosby and Mack on the same line? Nasty!
Anon, don't really understand the point of your post, but some corrections are needed.
In my opinion, here are the best players of the Al/Reggie/Gruden-Mayock era:
QB - Carr (Reggie)
RB - Jacobs (Gruden-Mayock)
FB - Reece (Al)
Wr #1 - Crabtree (Reggie)
WR #2 - Renfrow (Gruden/Mayock)
TE - Waller (Gruden/Mayock)
LT - K Miller (Gruden/Mayock)
LG - Gabe Jackson (Reggie)
C - Hudson (Reggie)
RG - C. Carlisle (Al)
RT - L. Walker (Al)
DT - Hankins (Gruden/Mayock)
NT - Seymour (Al)
LDE - Crosby (Gruden/Mayock) and Mack (Reggie) tied
RDE - Yannick (Gruden/Mayock)
SLB - KJ Wright (G/M)
MLB - Perryman (G/M)
WLB - N Kwiatkowski (G/M)
LCB - Heyward (G/M)
RCB - S Routt (Al)
SCB - Nate Hobbs (G/M)
SS - K Joseph (Reggie)
FS - C Woodson (Reggie)
K - Janokowski (Al)
P - Cole (G/M)
KR - C. Patterson (Reggie)
PR - J Richard (Reggie)
Let's total that up here:
Reggie brought in 9 of 28 quality players listed in this roster
Al brough in 6 of 28
Gruden/Mayock brought in 13 of 28
I think the Gruden/Mayock era brought in more quality players here. All 3 brought in players that were less than desirable too (Tommy Kelly, Heyward-Bey, Jamarcus Russell, Rolando McClain, Incognito, Ferrell, Brandon Parker to name a few).
They all brought in players that were a little more than average that have done well on other teams: T.J. Carrie (Colts), Denico Autry (Ravens), Jihad Ward (Ravens, I think), Jon Feliciano (Bills), Justin Ellis (Colts), Latavius Murray (Ravens), Stefen Wiesnewski (Eagles), Veldheer (Cardinals), Fabian Washington (Ravens) to name a few.
Al was losing it toward the end, and needed a GM, but was too stubborn to see it. With that said, McDaniels and Ziegler do, because I think they are going to out do all 3 of them and build a team that will win our #4 Lombardi Trophy, and soon. All that to say, JUST WIN, BABY!
Raiders have hired Chris Ash to be the new DB Coach. Another great hire by McDaniels and Ziegler. Hire great coaches, bring in great players, and JUST WIN, BABY!
IMO, it would be a mistake to bring back Mack. He's too expensive, and the Raiders have too many other needs. I'd much rather have D. Adams at WR... but I think he's too pricey too.
Raiders have two stars who play EDGE. I trust Ziegler and McDaniels to find good rotational players. Some might already be on the roster.
No the Raiders didn't fail their fans for 20 or more years. The slump started '03 that's 19 years!
Not because they were that good just that they were as good if not better than many of those winning teams with some mediocre teams making the playoffs.
Al had much better rosters than many of the winning teams. He also had as if not better coaches.
As much as media and Raidernation likes to go after Al's system. He actually had hired some of the best coaches and had good assistants.
Norv Turner, Cable, Hue or Kiffen were more than good enough to lead team to the playoffs. They succeeded before and after Raiders but in Oakland they couldn't.
Al even had some of the best assistants who went on to be very good HCs'.
Overpaid free agents? Well they played well, they were wanted by other teams and some were already pro bowlers before signing with Raiders. Yet, media and Raidernation feels that's what ruined team.
Not only did the Raiders have talent in front office and coaching. They had a great scouting dept and found talent in the draft. But if you listen to Raidernation the '03-'11 Raiders were just mediocre.
Yet, they seem to be able to find talent and their busts could be coached up to play well.
Another strange thing is why media and Raidernation feels no HC wanted to or should've signed with Al ('03-'11). Well, Peyton did and something strange happened he quit! Seems like a lot of players also suddenly decided not to sign with Raiders after talking to front office, being close to a deal or close to signing.
Then a funny thing happened it became impossible for loaded teams to win. I mean
Its' strange that at the same time Al was going against the other team owners, voting against the CBA, spending big on draft picks and free agents, suing the Buccaneers, L.A. and NFL and supporting the NFLPA.
Now, considering they just lost to the Bucs in the SB.
Then a few years later still had an outstanding roster and was reloading.
Its' strange they suddenly just STOPPED WINNING even in a PARITY system.
NY, he would probably have to renegotiate a contract if he were to be cut by the Bears. He knows he won't get the same money, and so does his agent. If the Raiders could offer him a reasonable contract, I bet he'd come back.
Anon said,
"Norv Turner, Cable, Hue or Kiffen were more than good enough to lead team to the playoffs. They succeeded before and after Raiders but in Oakland they couldn't."
Norv had several opportunities as HC, and did not pan out for him; and you could add Joe Bugel to this mix too. He even knew after the Raiders, he was a better Coordinator than Head Coach. Tom Cable is not HC material either, he only knew one aspect of the game, O-Line. Horrible evaluator of any position outside of O-Line. Al was hoping he'd be the next Art Shell, an O-line guy who knew the other aspects of the game, and could actually manage a game. Lane Kiffin was only successful because of Steve Sarkisian and Pete Carroll. Watch what Sarkisian does to U Texas, and Kiffin does to Ole Miss. Both will be facing sanctions in the next 3-5 years; because that is what they do. Hue Jackson's success was as an OC, and was the best coach that Al hired in this time frame. Hue built a team around the strengths of the team, and had Jason Campbell not been injured, probably would have made the playoffs and further. Campbell was the most underrated QB the Raiders had in this time, and was thrown to the curb for the love of Carson Palmer, who Hue coached in Cincy. He would have never gotten Carson if Al were alive. Neither of these succeeded as a Head Coach with the Raiders, and were never offered a Head Coaching position again after the Raiders, with the exception of Norv and Hue, and neither of them succeeded at that position. So to say they were successful with other teams, they may have been as Coordinators, but not as Head Coaches.
Anyone is welcome to fact check me on this, but I'm pretty certain the Raiders have had more HC changes over the past 20 years than any other team, and I would guess it might go back more than 20 years and possibly much deeper into Al's tenure as owner/GM. It's been almost four decades since the Raiders won a SB.
No matter how good you believe those past +/-38 rosters were, it's been one failure after another. Al would have said so himself. Dare I say, most Raiders fans have grown old waiting.
Hopefully, that's all behind us after this current course correction. Maybe we should call these the "mulligan years."
Nate, Mack leaving the Bears without direct compensation to the Bears and with Mack excepting less money doesn't sound realistic. If Mack wanted to be a Raider, he'd still be a Raider.
On the other hand, I could see Carr and Crosby accepting something less than full market value to re-sign with the Raiders. That's something Mack clearly was not willing to do.
He's a great player but he's not shown the Raiders respect like, say, Charles Woodson. Maybe that's Gruden's fault, I don't know, but I'm not sure I'd invite him back. My advice to Mack is, he should continue to follow the money. Plenty of it out there.
Raiders have hired Jason Simmons to be the Secondary Coach, a role he held in Carolina along with Defensive Game Passing Coordinator. We just gained one of the best Secondary Coaches in the League! A guy who worked with Graham also. Just to be clear, Chris Ash is DB Coach. Secondary Coach is over CB, S, LB's. Another great hire for the Raiders.
quality coaching hires, now, it's on to the draft and free agency. So far, so good.
"Las Vegas Raiders are in their best position to succeed in years"
https://justblogbaby.com/2022/02/10/raiders-best-position-years-succeed/
Raider
Excuse me I didn't give you the idea of my point.
I'm saying Al's Raiders and the new era are 2 different things. That these new eras have nothing to do with Al's teams.
That Al's teams were just as good if not better than those winning teams including the Pats and that they DID prove it before the slump and strangely after it with outstanding coaching that Raidernation doesn't seem to think were good.
1. Al and Gruden led the Raiders to 3 playoffs and a SB over a three year period.
2. Al hired some of the best coaches in the NFL and any one of them SHOULD'VE been able to lead team to a playoff birth over that 9 year slump.
A. Norv Turner won in San Diego.
B. Lane Kiffin is one of the best coaches in College football.
C. Hue never should've been fired was a top OC and our best OC in years.
D. Cable was good enough to take team to playoffs.
* If your're talking about the 90's you would've had a point but they won in the early 90's.
Also if you want to use the SB to judge then you maybe need to look at Dallas, S.F.,
* Those strange Raiders teams that Al ran DID win even looked like a very good team in their slump
1. had better personnel than many of the winning teams.
2. had outstanding front office people
3. would spend on expensive players
Excuse me I thought players played even better when they got paid what they were worth. isn't that how most people feel?
Why did that change when Bellichek started winning? Media claimed not even having expensive guys was maybe a good thing but making play for less might make play hard and was the modern way to keep salaries low.
Maybe so but first of all Al paid guys who were either already pro bowlers or elite or put up some stats.
If players support owners lowering salaries and will play harder then I guess I don't know much as I thought.
* Hue traded for Palmer because Campbell was injured. He proved himself in Arizona by making the pro bowl.
If you want to go after coaches I wouldn't talk about Al becaue
Don't forget Sean Peyton whom Al hired and some really strange things happened on the way to Alameda.
Don't forget all the talented coaches on the Raiders and some became head coaches and college coaches.
If you want to blame coaches for the Al Raiders slump you will have to really look for the
You seem to want to go after Al's teams but I think they had a pretty good group of coaches and some became head coaches.
Because looking back, as I've said many times, Those teams were loaded and now I think they had as good a front office as any so called winning team. Its' very strange that a team with that kind of talent SUDDENLY can't win or go to the playoffs over a 9 year span, and the NFL/ owners also, were very upset with Al and Gene Upshaw(NFLPA boss).
I don't understand how a team that knows how to win. A team loaded with talent, good front office and good coaches suddenly can't in a PARITY system over a 9 year period. Having coaches who can't win but can somewhere else even with a history of winning WHEN they find talented players and good coaches and winning with problem players and unknown coaches.
I don't understand why you don't have some problems with the so called slump and what caused it- If you think it was just Al fine but in a PARITY league how does a team that talented lose?
Cliff Branch has finally been selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Not only is it about time, it is a travesty that we do not get to hear this great man speak. He had a humble heart, was a good dude if you ever got a chance to meet him. My prized possession is an autographed photo I got for my dad for Christmas in 1994 in Northeast California town of Susanville. Ken Stabler, Freddy B, and Cliff Branch all came to Susanville as part of a Northern Cali tour to promote the Raiders moving back to Oakland. I met all 3, and after my dad passed in 2017, that was the first thing I grabbed and now sits in my office. 3 Hall of Famers, 2 of whom their speeches we were robbed of hearing. Congrats to his family, well deserved.
There's no doubt Al tried very hard to bring a championship back to Oakland before he passed. Arguably, too hard. He placed an incredible financial burden on the Raiders that Reggie McKenzie did well to manage. That's maybe the only thing McKenzie accomplished in his time with the Raiders, straightening out the salary cap.
The one thing Al's final version of the Raiders and the post-Al Raiders had (have) in common was losing. Al had Jon Gruden in his prime, ready to take the Raiders to a championship and he traded him. Then Gruden beat him in the SB.
It couldn't have been worse for Al or Raiders fans.
Unfortunately, that's part of Al's legacy.
Well said Nate congrats to Cliff
Why Snake and Speed Kills were not put in until after their deaths is both so puzzling, and an infuriating slap in the face to both of those greats.
How long it took to include Flores is also a slight to both him and the franchise.
I will forever hold this against both the NFL and the Selection Committee. Bias against the Raiders is just too blatant to not be purposeful.
Sandy
Rob Ryan is returning to Raiders as a senior defensive coach. Not sure what to make of that. I'd place Ryan into the same basket as Bradley. Both guys seem to love dropping back into coverage as opposed to applying pressure.
I seem to remember an infamous play which Ryan dropped the entire defense into coverage and allowed the QB to just wait for an opening. I remember the play and I'm pretty sure the Raiders lost that game.
I also remember Ryan's penchant for prevent defense, which he employed any time the Raiders had a lead, and which teams always seem to exploit.
Thankfully, he won't be calling plays!
Too bad Rob's Dad wasn't still around, Raiders could use Buddy.
Cliff Branch finally, though, it was 25 years late.
It's hard to be a winning team in a league that blatantly despises the Raiders. Have to fight the refs, the league, and that is before the games even start.
I remember some Raider fans saying that the bias would be impossible, that no way it could happen in a pro league. Wonder what they are saying now?
I don't disagree with bias against the Raiders, mostly during Al's time, but I believe poor officiating has affected all teams. Poor officiating necessitated instant replay which has helped the league overcome some obvious incompetence.
If I'm not mistaken, NFL officials are part-time. The league is too cheap to do it right and pay for full-time officials and train them year-round.
They get exactly what they pay for, bad officiating, and it doesn't appear that they care.
Yea, but Al had outstanding personnel and
Again whose free agents and draft picks look better when you put Al's way and new era's way together?
R. Seymore/ pro bowler with Raiders.
K. Wimbley/ had 9 sacks for Raiders.
W. Sapp/ pro bowler with Raiders.
L. Jordan/ good rb
J. Newberry/ played well for Raiders.
J. Moss/
N. Miller/ was good PR to Raiders didn't play a lot.
M. Giardano/ Huge pickup for Raiders had 5 picks in '11.
D. Bryant/ outstanding pickup played at Harvard and was almost a pro bowler. Raidernation thought it would be great to get rid of T. Kelly but Reggie let Bryant walk too.
You putting money above winning. You really are so in love with Bellichek/ Brady and the Steelers' way that you can't see other systems work?
Dude....its' not like the Raiders started winning and were drafting star players after Reggie got hired. They are cheap and when they play elite teams they have problems.
The cheap thing makes sense but it also shows that some owners/ GM's feel they can get win with cheaper good players and not have to deal with expensive vets and free agents.
But it also works for team willing to spend. Its the media that claimed you CAN'T win that way ANYMORE and that just coaching or game managing a franchise QB can beat anybody.
With the Bellichek/ Brady thing the media worked with the NFL to make that the standard. Not having them but copying them.
Al's, Cowboys systems were ridiculed and the Colts until they got rid of a lot of high priced players.
Those team HAD/ HAVE outstanding personnel but they had to get rid of some of the guys to make the NFL happy.
Ummmm....Dude, the Raiders are STILL trying to copy the franchise model way except one big thing!
1. they don't have a coach like Bellichek.
2. they don't have a QB like Brady.
3. they aren't finding star free agents and when they do they let them walk.
4. they aren't yet a top front office that drafts well.
5. the average-good guys they draft/ sign a
Overpriced free agents, athletes over football players, mediocre players.
mediocre? T. Kelly one of best DTs in the NFL '05-'12.
overpriced FA?: W. Sapp may've not helped win but he more than did well. He made the pro bowl with Raiders.
draft picks?: You can talk about J. Russell but the Raiders drafted some good players the last 4 years of Al's era ('08-'11)
J. Ford wasn't the best WR in the AFC West but man did the Raiders miss something when they let other WRs' start over him. He was the last ST star for Raiders 4 td's in 2 seasons but Reggie didn't think he was important.
D. Moore wasn't fast and had outstanding talent.
Z. Miller a good tight end.
M. Bush man on man he was a huge star player. I don't know why he wasn't a pro bowler or why he didn't start.
T. Scott only one season he had 8 sacks. Injuries kept him from being a star.
and even F. Washington proved he is as good as any Reggie CB playing ok to good until he left.
My point is the new Raiders might want to look back at Al's era and copy some of his ideas. Maybe being a little willing to spend might help. And trying to find stars in the draft and getting a few big, fast guys might help.
This team copies off other iconic coaches and GMs' but not it's own icon?
Celebrating great Raiders players is cool but Gruden tried to go old school and look where that got us. Four years and one playoff loss.
Maybe teams would be better off modeling after the Rams. Ironic, isn't it? For all the years Al tried to reload the roster to win a Super Bowl, the Rams just showed the world how that's done. They traded QBs with the Lions and brought in savvy vet players during the season leading up to their playoff run and Super Bowl win.
That was a pretty amazing blueprint of success.
The Bengals have their own model of success. They won 6 games combined in the two years prior to this season, which they advanced to the Super Bowl and might have been one play away from winning.
The Raiders have been on the same mouse wheel for decades.
This is why Mark Davis is smartly trying something else. Zeigler, McDaniels and Graham are significant upgrades over Mayock, Gruden/Bisaccia and Bradley.
The unfortunate truth is, the "Raider Way" no longer works. It hasn't for years.
Raiders were among the worst teams in the league last year in the red zone, on offense and defense. Their 10-win season was a mirage, and I give Mark Davis credit for not falling for it. He knew it wasn't good enough to get to the next level.
There are no guarantees, but it was absolutely the right decision to try something else.
We should all feel energized with what's about to happen. We are finally breaking away from the insanity.
Anyone else offended that Stan Kranky (Rams owner) said they were the first team to win a Super Bowl for LA? Ummm, dude, look up the Super Bowl Champs from the 83-84 season. Dillhole!
Headline: "Derek Carr Willing to Take Less Money to bring Davante Adams to the Raiders"
Lots of teaser headlines this time of year, but can you imagine that? That would be tremendous, and the Raiders could focus the #22 pick in the draft on defense. If they don't sign a FA WR, they are almost certain to draft a WR with their top pick.
In case anyone forgot, Carr and Adams played together in college and reportedly are still close. That would be a reunion worth watching.
Antonio Pierce hired to be Raiders new LB coach. Very excited about this move as well. Davis, Ziegler, and McDaniels building a team to win now.
I believe we will see a similar Derek Carr to what we saw in 2016, because Josh will build around the strengths of the players. I could tell at times that DC wanted to scramble under Gruden but didn't, because Gruden's scheme was to dump off. The few times he did scramble, Gruden was there on the sideline to "greet" him because it is not Gruden's style.
Not sure about Davante Adams coming to the Raiders. I think it would be great for both players, but having to extend Carr, Crosby, Renfrow, and others; I'm not sure what they are feeling, or how much salary $$ they are wanting to spend. The other article I saw is that the Packers are assuring Rodgers that they will be spending big to keep Rodgers at QB and to make a better run for the Super Bowl. A lot of misinformation and speculation during this time.
The other big "Rumor" going around is Sean McVay is going to pull a Sean Payton and step down as coach. This would be a huge blow to the Rams if that happened. I know he wasn't happy with how the League did Gruden, which he and Jon were good friends; and the reports are that is why he would step out. He is looking at NCAA or TV, according to reports.
This is one writer's scouting report on Graham's defenses.
"Despite labeling himself a “multiple” defense guy, Graham clearly shows some noticeable tendencies on tape. Throughout his tenure as an assistant, Graham has always primarily ran out of 3-4 and nickel formations with a bit of 4-3 mixed in, allowing himself to use outside linebackers as both coverage players and pass rushers."
Geez! That may put Grapham in a similar camp as Bradley, except relying even more on LB coverage in 3-4. Does Graham realize the Raiders don't have LBs who can cover? Except maybe Deablo, who's a converted safety.
At a minimum, Graham should want to replace Littleton and Kwiatkowski, and he'll need to be very careful how he utilizes Abram.
Also, he'll probably need to beef up the interior line rotation. Getting Philon back healthy and signing him to another contract would be a plus. Philon looked unstoppable against run and pass before his injury.
Not sure where Graham might stand wrt to Thomas / Jefferson. Both guys contributed but Raiders probably need another line upgrade to make a 4-man pass rush work better than Bradley's version. The primary difference will be in the alignment... In 3-4 or nickel, it won't be so glaringly obvious where the pass rush is coming from.
Should be interesting. I'm just worried how much personnel change will be needed to make it work on defense. Even in a retooling effort, Raiders need lots of help. Be nice if they could keep Hayward and Facyson. Both guys will be FAs.
The offense is way more straightforward. Need to prioritize WR and RT, then look at potential upgrades and depth at other positions.
I disagree that Gruden didn't want a scrambling QB. He wanted one bad. He was drooling over Kyle Murray and he always said he would like to see Carr make plays with his legs. Meaning, if he had to scramble out of the pocket to make a play, do it. Gruden wanted more of it because it adds to an offense.
As far as then new DC goes, how bout letting them have a practice 1st, before jumping on how it will all work out. Just because a writer wrote something, doesn't make it so.
My take on Gruden is that he was always looking for his next QB. He was obsessed with the position and one year carried four QBs on the 53-man roster to start the season. That's how he lost WR Doss on waivers, and had to grovel and overpay to get him back after Antonio Brown flamed out. Doss initially declined and IMO that dissed Gruden. I believe that's why Doss seemed to be in Gruden's doghouse. Doss obvious demonstrated potential and should have been given more opportunity to grow into the position, especially, when you consider the lack of talent at WR during that period.
I think Josh McDaniels made it clear in his press conference that the primary defense ran in today's NFL is a Nickel-based formation. You can use either 4-3 or 3-4 base to run the Nickel. I expect there to be a Nickel-based formation on defense for the Raiders this year. 4 lineman, 2 LB's, 5 DB's; which tells me Divine Deeablo will be the hybrid LB/DB that plays in the Nickel, along with Perryman as MLB. I believe Littleton and Kwiatkowski will probably be let go.
As far as D-Line, since Josh also talked about creating depth in the lineup, I'm sure Thomas/Jefferson will remain. The question becomes who do they let go and who do they keep. I would think these would be let go: Ferrell, Incognito, possibly Nassib, Trufant, Wilbur, possibly Mariota, possibly Brandon Parker and others on the O-Line, and possibly Jonathan Abram.
The question becomes who do they keep? One could make an argument for any of these to be kept: Trayvon Mullen, Nicholas Morrow, Gerald McCoy, Denzelle Good, Kenyan Drake, Marquel Lee, KJ Wright, Amik Robertson, Trey Ragas, Lester Cotton, Dillon Stoner, Hayward, Facyson.
Other questions to ask, will they keep Waller at TE or move him to WR to make room for Moreau and Carrier to be on the field more (both would be starters on any other team in the NFL right now, and good ones)? If so, I'd use Waller like SF used Jerry Rice, quick slants and posts, and allow him to use his speed and strength to break free. That would still mean they'd need a WR to stretch the field. A name to stretch the field, not named Davante Adams would be FA WR Christian Kirk of the Cardinals or OBJ (though he tore his ACL in the Super Bowl).
The other question is Free Agency, who are they looking to move on from and who are they looking to bring in? Does Hayward follow Bradley to Indy? Is JC Jackson a better CB than Hayward? Will they pull Orlando Brown (RT) away from the Chiefs like we did Rodney Hudson? Can we get someone at RG like James Daniels (Bears), Laken Tomlinson (9ers), or Alex Cappa (Bucs)? Not too mention the draft. I don't think we need young guys to start at WR, DB, O-Line; we need some savvy vets in those positions. Draft D-Line, LB, QB, and O-Line to serve as back ups and let them grow into their positions by learning from the savvy vets who start. I think this is what the Patriots did well.
Finally, we are stacked at RB, especially if Drake comes back, and Ingold gets healthy. Jacobs, possibly Drake, Richard, Barber, and Ragas. Richard proved his worth in pass-blocking and tough runs his entire career with us; and as an UDFA has proven himself extremely valuable. This was one of Reggie's hidden gems. But Ragas and Barber are climbing too. Drake proved himself valuable on the tough short yard runs, and was extremely versatile when Jacobs was injured. Both Jacobs and Drake could prove to be the next Garner/Wheatley duo. We have the talent on the Roster to win now; and now we have competent coaching to get us there. Too many mistakes in managing the clock, and minor details of game management and most importantly real-time adjustments! How many times have we complained on here that no coaches were gathering the team and looking at pictures of the last drive and making adjustments? McDaniels and staff will bring that to the Raiders. If you listen closely to what others are saying in the League, they just wet themselves because they know the Raiders are going to be a force to reckon with, not in a few years, but next year. JUST WIN, BABY!
To NY Raider and Raider Nate,
Wow! new era no. #3!! Here it comes!- another group of guys who are gonna win for us. You keep supporting these moves- not saying copy Al but aren't there other systems- maybe older(Steelers, 49ers, Cowboys) that were successful? Why keep hiring inexperienced GMs'? This is what you/ media said about new Raiders' eras:
Reggie will fix this MESS!
Reggie will bring new players and coaches and a better system than Al's.
D. Allen is a better HC than Hue who threw team under the bus.
Del Rio looks like a Raiders' coach and is a fan. He's better than coach Allen.
Greg Olsen will make Carr an elite QB.
Its' all Knapps fault
Its' all Olsen's fault
Yea!!!! Gruden's back its' time for some kick ass Raiders' football! Del Rio did good but we needed a true elite HC(Hue was the only one throwing people under the bus?).
Mayock knows football and spent years as an NFL draft expert so he'll get some great players.
Gruden will fix this Mess(Al's or Reggie's) and take the Raiders back to the playoffs and elite of the NFL!
Al made a mistake trading Gruden(to Bucs).
Gruden wasn't doing good in the 1st place then he may've made racist comments. He should be fired and the team needs to find a new coach.
Gruden was good coach in TB but he wasn't an elite coach and really just won a SB for them and he just won because of Dungy.
Yea!!!! Bisccia looks like a good coach! He won games and looks like a guy who can coach an NFL team. Mabye Bisccia should get a chance to be head coach.
Wow! Bisccia won more games then Gruden and maybe even out-coached him.
Hey, the Raiders may get Harbaugh!!! He can fix this MESS and get the team back in the elite group.
Yea, McDaniels and Zeigler will bring the Patriot Way. They will fix this MESS. They will take us back to elite of teams.
McDaniels and Zeigler know football and its' a new way instead of bringing in those Al connected guys (Gruden, Harbaugh and Reggie).
Al was in the past, Reggie did a Good Job rebuilding team(?); Gruden built the team but wasn't a good coach anymore and made racist comments on his e-mails. This time we have the guys who know how to win because they worked for the Patriots.
MD is making great moves by hiring Reggie
MD is a genius for re-hiring Gruden
MD is genius for hiring McDaniels and Zeigler.
McDaniels will change the culture and make it a winning one(whose culture?- Al's, Reggie's or Gruden's)
Carr has suffered with Olsen now McDaniels will make him an elite QB.
McDaniels ran the Patriots' offense so the Raiders should be lighting is up.
Mayock did a good job(?). He just whiffed too many times. He did some nice things but he's just not good enough to be an NFL GM.
Mayock had a few good picks but Gruden made a mistake hiring him. Maybe Gruden's own problems kept Mayock down; but he just wasn't experienced or talented enough to be a good GM.
Mayock wasn't a good GM, he whiffed on a lot of picks. It was Gruden who coached these guys up.
No more old Raider Way its' the new Raiders' Way!
* Maybe McDaniels came from a great program but he also hasn't proven he can lead a team. Zeigler is a question mark and will be doing a rebuild of a mediocre roster.
This is another group of 'The people's (owner's) champion' that will change culture and build a winning team.
* We got a group of good assistants and guys from a great team/ program and its' o.k. to support them. We support NFL/ media hype of McDaniels but what about other hyped NFL guys MD hired? Raidernation has heard this before.
Not sure I understand the point.
There are cases for and against all the hires and fires since Al died. Mark Davis was not given the guidance he needed to own and manage an NFL franchise, and we have Al Davis to thank for that shortcoming. Mark Davis said so himself.
Some of the suggestions above are simply untrue, e.g., nobody ever said Greg Olsen would make Derek Carr an elite QB. Olsen was hired by Gruden to be his underling. I could go through each of those points and make to similar inferences.
Your underlying theme seems to be, we should "copy Al" but from what era? The Raiders haven't won a SB since 1983. That date might as well be 1883. What's there to copy?
Anon, you made a confusing point here:
"You keep supporting these moves- not saying copy Al but aren't there other systems- maybe older(Steelers, 49ers, Cowboys) that were successful?"
Steelers, 49ers, and Cowboys have all changed systems. Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin changed and modernized the old Steeler way. Yes, they have a hard nose defense, but their physical toughness is now more seen in the DB's rather than the LB's because Tomlin uses a Nickel-based defense. Jim Harbaugh and Kyle Shannahan have changed the way the 49ers play. They went from a pass happy, west-coast offense, to a hook/ladder running team. The Cowboys changed when Jerry Jones bought the team, and haven't been the same since he fired Jimmy Johnson.
All the teams have revised and made changes to their base offense and defenses. Al, toward the end, did not. Al's concept of "Take what you want" didn't work in a defensive system that most teams employ today of "Read and React". The Nickel-based defense is comprised of the defense reacting to what the offense is doing in real time. It utilizes and disguises Man-to-man and zone. In fact, most Nickel-based runs a variety of man-zone. All the DB's could play zone, while the LBs play man, or the LB's and Safeties play zone, while the DB's play man, etc. But it is all a "Read and React" defense, and makes the offense to "take what you want" more difficult when the defense is reacting to you; instead of your offense reacting to what the defense is doing. So, no! The Steelers, 49ers, and Cowboys are not running the same systems they were in the 60's, 70's, 80's, and even the 90's.
Btw, a little history. Billechek designed the "Read-n-React" defense to stop Peyton Manning and the Colts.
Funny, the Steelers have had only three head coaches since 1969. Raiders have had three head coaches in the past year.
Since 1969, the Raiders have had 19 head coaches, including two stints by Art Shell and two stints by Jon Gruden. We've had infamous hires and fires involving Mike Shanahan and Lane Kiffin, and one underwhelming HC after another.
The suggestion we could ever imitate the Steelers is farfetched, at best.
Even with McDaniels now the HC, it's unlikely the Raiders could ever imitate New England, IMO. Carr is good but he's not Tom Brady.
As Raiders fans, we are now relegated to seeing how much McDaniels and Zeigler learned from Bill Belichick. That's a bit of a gut punch to any Raiders fan, yet it's the best we can do.
Embrace it!
A gut punch? How bout waiting till at least free agent period? Draft? There are some quality assistants being hired. I don't think any true Raider fan wants a Vegas version of the patriots. We want the Raiders to be the Raiders, just win.
Like Mark said, with each hire, it is expected that the team will reach new heights, if they bring in more quality players to the existing roster, they will have a good team.
Like you say, embrace it.
Derek Carr doesn't have to be Tom Brady, Josh McDaniels does not have to be Bill Billechek, and the Raiders don't have to be the Patriots. If Josh becomes anything he is capable of as a Head Coach with the Raiders, the Raiders will be back to being the team of Decades, Champions, and the most feared team in the League. He is already building on the strengths of the players around him, having multiple meetings with Carr, Jacobs, Renfrow, Waller and the rest of the offense. Meanwhile, Patrick Graham is doing the same with the Raiders defense. This is how coaches coach successful teams, and this is all the Raiders need from their coaching. If Gruden did this when he first took over, he'd been a Super Bowl Champion, and probably have a few of them. Mark Davis made this very clear with McDaniels and Ziegler. It seems like he finally knows what he wants, and how he wants this team managed. He has even spoken loudly about his disdain for clock mismanagement, prevent-you-from-winning defense, and the inability that has plagued the Raiders of making in-game adjustments. He threatened before the season that he'd clean house if this year failed reaching the Super Bowl. He kept his word, and the Raiders will get back to the Super Bowl and win our fourth!
He's hired great coaches, now to get great players, and JUST WIN, BABY!
This short post (link below) is indicative of why the Gruden way didn't work. Previous coaching regimes worked too hard to employ their scheme and spent less time tailoring their planning to player strengths. IMO, this is largely why the Raiders have had so many failures. We need coaching that understands player strengths. Last time Raiders had a coordinator truly capable of tailoring to player strengths was Bill Musgrave. Carr had arguably his best year with 28 TDs and only 6 INTs.
https://www.raidersbeat.com/hunter-renfrow-said-he-reached-a-low-point-his-rookie-year-with-jon-gruden-decided-im-going-to-have-to-do-it-my-way/
Hope Mariota doesn't sign with the Broncos.
Here we go again?
We are going with a safe route
I like Carr but really, its' been 9 years.
I think you're taking the media's ideas about sticking with the franchise QB way too seriously!
1st, it was Olsen then Gruden who would turn Carr into a star now its' McDaniels!
Mariota brings excitment, electricity and I don't think he isn't a good throwing QB.
He can move and he showed he can hit his receivers. Why the R
You're going with the company line
1. stats are overrated, QBs' throw for more yards than
2. All those yards haven't done much to make Raiders an elite team.
Carr needs to go somewhere
They, just like Reggie don't really have a game plan its' going to be the same old company line and give us 1-2 years to fix this thing.
BTW....Gruden's system is a modern 1, don't quite see why you put down guys you once supported.
no matter how long he's been here. The conservative Patriots' system will try to make him an elite NFL QB
You have a guy who could fill the seats and make teams scared. Maybe McDaniels could tutor Mariota.
No, there gonna draft safe and get those high character guys and cheap free agents and you'll support it because he tutored Brady and worked for Bellichek.
You like conservative systems now, no electrifying players no spending on star free agents.
Just the same old building up on draft picks and cheaper free agents.
You need to tell your owner to spend on some stars and tell McDaniels to draft some bigger, faster athletes(some, not a lot) because this team has big problems with KC and barely beats the Chargers and Broncos.
Not trying to put down on McDaniels but since Reggie took over you support ANYBODY the NFL/ owners/ media says about the Raiders and people they're looking at.
You need to look at these guys. Gruden was a very good coach but he didn't run things. Mayock was running things, MD isn't making the decisions.
The NFL hired these guys. They are good coaches but they aren't going go go too far to find elite athletes and electrifying players.
That's why Mariota will be a star for another team.
I think you're avoiding one obvious truth, if Mariota was better than Carr, Mariota would have been the Raiders' starting QB. Of all people, Gruden would have replaced Carr in a nanosecond had he thought Mariota was better. Many folks believe Gruden spent his entire time with the Raiders looking for his next QB.
Carr has above-average accuracy and has proven clutch in critical game situations. He had six game winning (last) drives in 2021 alone.
The grass is always greener....
P.S look for Zeigler and McDaniels to draft a QB. The Raiders now have the coaching personnel to groom a legit college recruit. Nothing before mid-rounds, but I would expect them to draft a QB.
Media reports indicate McDaniels will carry three QBs, probably meaning he will find a cost-effective vet backup for Carr.
Ummmmm.....NY the new Raiders do things a lot different from Al's era. This is why you still support them.
There are good things but there are some bad things.
Some of those bad habits these new Raiders teams have done is
1. They have a very bad habit of letting much better players go and keeping guys that are not
Shelby Harris- the best pass rushing DT of the new Raiders. He plays for the Broncos.
Trent Brown- why the Raiders would trade him BACK to the Pats for a 7th rounder just keep showing why they
Cordelle Patterson- talk about 49ers WR Patterson was doing that way before he came to the NFL and was a top KR. The Raiders let him walk
David Bass- some Raiders UDFA and draft picks had huge career sack numbers. The Raiders released Bass he played for the Titans.
Isaiah Johnson- a tall CB that had injury issues. After showing some outstanding cover in a few games. He started having a few injuries but the Raiders constantly KEEP guys who don't play(Incognito). He was on the Texans and Cowboys practice squads.
Rasoul- Wow!!! CB made some good plays in the pre-season but the Raiders released him. He went to the Texans then started for the Packers.
TP2-Just having this guy on your team makes it much better. He could've been the guy to rotate with Carr. He played for a lot of teams even playing WR and having a huge year in
Al's guys Reggie
1. Desmond Bryant- outstanding DT/ DE
2. Michael Bush- Wow! 1 of the best backups in the NFL. Young player that sometimes looked like a pro bowler. He played for the Bears.
3. Matt Shaugnessy(?)/ big, fast, talented DE that stopped the run and did a good job rushing the passer.
4. Jacoby Ford(?)- 1 of the best all around players in the NFL '10-'11. He had 4 special teams TD's over 2 years but the new Raiders didn't think he was that good.
* So Al couldn't find good coaches?:
L. Kiffin is a HC at Ole Miss and it seems he is doing a good job.
N. Turner led the Chargers to a lot of division Championships. But he had a lot better personnel in Oakland.
S. Peyton- one of the best coaches in the NFL. He was hired but suddenly quit before
T. Cable- media/ NFL claims he is 1 of the best OL coaches in NFL. Suddenly, Raidernation doesn't think so after supporting him being hired.
H. Jackson- one of the best assistant coaches in the NFL. He should've had huge success with that personnel('11). Although he went 8-8 Reggie fired him. He is a HC at Grambling State.
J. Gruden- Oh, he's gonna take Raiders back to glory! He's gonna turn Carr into a star QB! He beat Al in the SB and was one of the best coaches in the NFL, AL never should've traded him!
Dungy built the Bucs, He wasn't an elite coach, Bisccia might be a better coach, he didn't do much for the Bucs after the SB and he didn't help Carr that much either.
The Raiders haven't had an offensive unit scoring quite like '10-'11 since. Yet, we think it was a good idea to fire Hue.
Al wasn't into stats but his players played hard and the bigger, faster guys didn't make the team mediocre.
That's stuff media has in its sports entertainment things for fans but its' not making a team better because players put up stats.
Carr's stats are great but there are more important things. That's sports media's thing- all the stats they give; you said replacing Al was o.k. because you want to win, then you side with Carr when he hasn't taken you to the playoff a lot.
Carr IS a good qb but he's been here 9 years. Maybe he needs to get a fresh start.
The A's want to move to Las Vegas. They are so classless now, media is supporting their greedy plans. They have a whole stadium site to themselves and now they don't want it. They helped give Raiders excuse to move now they want to move. But its' not just them there are people who were behind the Warriors and Raiders leaving Oakland.
*Raiders Investigation?
Investigation?....Are you serious?
Why is the NFL investigating the Raiders! for the past 51 years the NFL has had issues with Al Davis/ Raiders and for the past 48 years they got run over. When the Raiders sued to move to L.A. and sided with the USFL in a lawsuit the Raiders usually ran over the NFL in court.
But during Al's last years he suddenly lost the odds in winning suits and getting cities to help pay for new stadiums. He was in a new league- a league of powerful people who had power in politics and corporations.
Soon, he became a problem to the NFL and some in Raidernation turned on him.
What fans didn't understand or care about was the fact that these billionaires/ corporations aren't NFL people but political, lawyers and wealth trying to find ways to get more political power and bring in more business for themselves/ partners/ friends. Al was trying to keep his Raiders on top and the NFL wanted all 32 owners to go for new stadiums, money and ratings and screw over the players. They wanted Al to cooperated and he refused- So, they made him pay attention.
* Since the mid-2000s' the NFL and Corporations have been trying to get the Davis family out of the NFL. I don't think the move to Las Vegas had ANYTHING to do with the Raiders and was decided by the NFL and Corporations. They used power to keep the City of Oakland from getting a deal to keep the team. They were't trying to HELP the Raiders by moving them to Las Vegas but to keep erasing their past and building a new 'Brand' without the Davis family but a greedy, fake, generic imitation of the team.
Execs leaving the Raiders since June:
-Marc Badain, President
-Ed Villanueva, CFO
-Araxie Grant, Controller
-Brandon Doll, vice president of strategy and business development
"The exits come as the team has launched an internal investigation, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Front Office Sports. That investigation — which is being assisted by lawyers outside the club — is a factor in why the Raiders haven’t publicly disclosed the reasons for those departures."
* Internal investigation? of What!? By who? This sounds shady and doesn't make a lot of sense. If they fire all the people associated with Al and bring in new people that will change the ideas of this team and alienate Raidernation.
Since the prices are so outrageous I think most real fans have been 'screwed over' its just that with all the hype-stars, muscians, entertainment and NFL merchandise- fans get excited. They (NFL) are looking for a wealthier fan base that isn't into football-just having fun; Tourists, the middle-class, corporate employees politicians, military and wealthy people- some getting donated tickets.
To be clear, in hindsight, I would support very little the Raiders have done since Al died, and even well before that while Al threw caution to the wind trying to manufacture a winner.
Again, not to state the obvious, but many of the past coaches and players you may hold in high regard, and/or have succeeded with other teams, for one reason or another failed as Raiders. Some of the best players the Raiders have been able to secure over the years were simply not put in a position to win, and many left because of salary constraints.
The reason I'm on board with the current transition is because of past failures. And inasmuch as Gruden/Bisaccia managed a 10-win season, I see Gruden's painfully slow progression as failure.
The bar has to be higher for a once great, storied franchise which fell into oblivion for the past two decades.
It's been made clear by Mark Davis that he launched an investigation into these:
Marc Badain, President; Ed Villanueva, CFO; Araxie Grant, Controller; Brandon Doll, vice president of strategy and business development because they were overpaying their taxes while in Oakland, and overpaying Oakland/Alameda County for use of the Coliseum for the last 7 years prior to moving. BTW, that is monies they will not get back.
The reason why these 4 left is because it was their job to ensure they were properly paying what they needed to. Marc Badain was the saddest of these to leave because of his tenure with the Raiders, and deep ties to them. But he resigned because it happened on his watch, and he was embarrassed; especially after the work he did to get the Raiders to Vegas.
Impressive coaching hires, looks like a very solid group.
It really does look like another step forward, so far.
If the draft and F.A. goes well, nothing to complain about.
Doncos have traded for Russell Wilson from the Seahawks
The AFC west is going to be crazy this next season. It is the toughest division in NFL.
Crosby is gonna make Wilson want to go back to Seattle.
Maxx and Carr are due some raises.
IMO, how much money does one really need? If you can get your star players to think team 1st, then the team can be much stronger. But if a player, like Mack, wants the glory and fame and highest contract, it will ruin a team.
Obvious that team friendly contracts can get your team a much stronger roster. Aaron Rodgers contract is ridiculous, it will handicap the Packers for the duration of the contract.
Ziegler better start negotiating as soon as possible, make the pitch for team 1st theory and see what happens. I believe Carr really wants to win and the money is secondary to him, Crosby, we will see.
Carr has been reported as suggesting he would take a pay cut on his renewal contract to bring Adams to the Raiders. He also said he would not play for another team.
Crosby has a Raiders shield tattoo.
Not sure what more these guys could do prove they are true Raiders, but I guess taking a small wage cut off market value would be it.
The Raiders team, ownership and fans deserve a great season. It's been too long!
I've been tough on Mark Davis but he really stepped up his game this year, bringing Zeigler and McDaniels to the org. Even if these guys fail, it was a bold call by Davis with incredible upside.
I see the odds of the Super Bowl winner this morning. Because the Raiders didn't land Wilson of Rodgers, Raider odds went to 80-1. And have the Raiders placing 4th in the division. The hate never ends.
They act as if Carr is an avg QB, but in the next sentence, they describe how many teams wanted to trade for Carr.
Bold prediction, Carr will outperform Wilson, Raiders will not finish 4th, they will be in the playoffs, unless the league forces the HC to retire.
Screw the naysayers.
Raiders may have their hands full in the AFC West but they are close to cracking that egg, IMO, and it's pretty obvious the Raiders are better with Derek Carr than they would be without him.
Problem with betting odds this time of year is that they are steeped in historical data with little or no vision for change.
IMO, Russell Wilson is overrated. He's had some rough patches, just like any QB. I'm glad the Raiders haven't pursued another QB. I expect them to draft one in hopes to groom that individual for backup and eventual replacement. In the interim, I expect them to also sign a vet backup not named Mariota.
Mack to the Chargers. Bears didn't get much in that trade, it would have been a very laughable trade if the Raiders had hit on their picks. Heard that the Bears eat a lot of his salary, that's gotta hurt. Mack is not what he used to be.
Raiders need a RT, WR, 2 really good CB, LB, DT. Let's hope the new Mgmt team can make it work.
It's going to be a heck of a year coming up. Don't know if this division has ever been this competitive, from top to bottom.
Anybody who has been an assistant for a so called model franchise and and from a winning program can go into Raiders and Raidernation supports them no matter who it is before we even know who they are.
Mariota isn't the answer, Mack isn't what he used to be, Gruden can't coach anymore,
The Pat's coaches are good and some outstanding but most of them are average coaches and don't last long as HC's and GM's.
What Zeigler needs to do is learn about Al. Not try to copy him but use SOME of his ideas.
The Patriot Way could succeed but will they be able to go far without Bellchek, Jones or Brady?
The Patriots' Way means smart, tough, high character guys, cheaper free agents; MAYBE a star FA with a disciplined team and good coaching.
That sounds good but what about SPEED, Siz
Broncos- Defense and receivers
KC- offense and special teams
LAC- the QB, WR and pass rushers
LV- tight ends, Mariota?, Crosby
The Raiders have a few good players but the rest of the AFC West has the young QB's. The Raiders really need Mariota to make the more mobile and unpredictable.
The same media that keeps saying Raiders will win usually has them with huge odds to not reach a SB. Yet when they hype some guys being hired you just support them.
If they(McDaniel, Zeigler) really want to make a impression on the NFL they should get their guys but then look for a couple bigger, faster guys and bring in some speed because they haven't been winning with a cheaper, slower team and high character guys. They HAVE been beaten by KC badly with no answer for the size and speed they have.
The Pats and Bellicheck can beat those kinds of teams but Zeigler can build a team with both kinds of players.
BTW....the Pats got a lot of ex-Raiders who had who were fast and used them. So maybe Raidernation should support using ideas from the past sometimes.
Reggie is gonna do what?!:
Reggie isn't with the Raiders anymore.
Someone is already trying to shoot down the new decision makers, what ever makes one happy, I guess. Dreaming of the past, as Rambo would say, "let it go, let it go". It's 2022, let it go.
The deal for Mack to LA demonstrates how lopsided the deal sending him to the bears was, favoring the Raiders of course. Would have been nice if the Raiders did better with their picks. They underwhelmed, just like they did, albeit not as bad, with the Gruden trade to Tampa.
Disappointing that the Raiders appear to be saying goodbye to Alec Ingold. I think that's a mistake. Also, they should pay to bring Casey Hayward back.
Crosby gets over $24M average annual salary with $53M guaranteed. Geez! Suddenly Mack's demands a few years ago don't look so lofty.
That said, I'd rather have Crosby right now. He and Carr and Waller and Renfrow are the faces of the franchise. They are all relentless warriors.
Say goodbye to all those historical players that keep getting posted here. These are today's Raiders' greats.
Add guys like Perryman, Hobbs, Ngakoue, Miller and Jacobs.
Hopefully, Crosby's production won't go downhill after getting the big money, like it did with Mack. IMO, think Crosby will continue with how he was doing last season.
If the new coaching is to do what is expected, then the Raiders will be fun to watch again this season. Need to fill the holes though, it's a very important F.A. and draft this year. They need to do well and then the players will see it and be very excited to start the season.
Going to be some high quality football in the AFC West this year, can't wait.
I see the initial period as a "honeymoon" which the players will buy into what the coaching staff is doing. It's up to the coaching staff to inspire and maintain that trust.
There's nothing in Crosby's resume that suggests he will relent one inch after signing a big contract. That was reported as why the new regime was so quick to sign him. It's exhausting just watching him on TV. Not many players have a motor like that. If the Raiders can surround him with better players, I think he will only get better.
Free agency is about to start. Raiders need so much but need to stay measured in their approach. I would guess a CB will be their "splash". Losing Casey Hayward leaves a huge hole.
NY your numbers are off. The total value of the contract is five years, $97.986 million, an average payout of $19.59 million per year. If Crosby plays as well as he did last year for the duration of the contract year three through five would be a bargain compared to what other elite edge players will be getting paid at that time. No different from a mid term value perspective as Kolton Miller's or Waller's extension. Take a small-time risk that's the player is going to continue to perform and extend him early. This philosophy has already paid off with Darren Waller as he has currently out played his salary.
Sandy
Maxx Crosby signed a 4 year, $94,000,000 contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, including a $13,000,000 signing bonus, $53,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $23,500,000. In 2022, Crosby will earn a base salary of $3,510,000, a signing bonus of $13,000,000 and a workout bonus of $372,000, while carrying a cap hit of $6,677,566 and a dead cap value of $26,710,566.
Sandy, according to media, it's a 4-year deal. After a sizable signing bonus which gets spread against the cap over the term, salaries appear to be backloaded, so I'm not sure what you mean by a bargain in years 3-5. Looks more like the end of the contract gets pricey. I could see the Raiders renegotiating this one by Year 3. Either way, Crosby is getting paid.
Teams always defer as much as possible. That's the nature of these deals. It's axiomatic.
NY,
Check out Spotrac link below which is the authority on contracts. I am looking at it as 5 years becuase the cap hit and yearly cash which in my opion is what matters is spread out over the year remaining on his orignal contract and then the 4 year extension. Per my original post if Crosby performs the same as last year for the next five years it will be a bargain come 2024 through 2026. Can you imagine what elite pass rushers will be getting paid in 2025 way more than the 21 million a 28 year old Crosby will when he is just entering his prime by NFL standards. And as you correctly point out if is not working a 5 million cap hit to cut him is not a big deal. This is how they approached Miller's extension and why I think they resigned James as well.
https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/maxx-crosby-29154/
Regards
Sandy
Chargers beat out the Raiders to acquire JC Jackson, ranked the best CB in free agency. Remember, they also traded with the Bears for Mack.
Still quiet on the Raiders front. I was (still am) hoping for one splash player.
Honestly, the Raiders would be wise to re-sign Casey Hayward, or is he already gone.
ANYBODY from a winning program can come into Raiders building and claim to have a plan to win.
MD hires these guys.
After 12 years and 3 regimes maybe
Why not the Steelers' assistants?
1. Raiders love to get screwed by Steelers front office and go after their WRs' giving up lots of draft picks.
2. The Steelers are one of the best drafting teams in sports history so why not try and get some of those guys from their front office?
Why not Cowboys' assistants?
1. Jerry Jones and Al were friends.
2. The Cowboys are more into size and speed and don't let media and NFL owners tell them who to draft and sign.
3. Dallas has had very good assistants and another guy like S. Peyton should be before another team gets him.
Why not the 49ers' assistants?
1. They have had some of the best assistants in the NFL for decades.
2. Al has hired some good assistants from the 49ers or who started with them in the past.
3. The 49ers' had some good scouts and some could be good GMs'. They've been doing good in the draft for almost a decade. Both Harbaugh and Shanahan's scouts have done some good scouting of DL and RBs.
Zeigher and McDaniel:
a lot of super bowls, Jimmy G, some good LBs and RBs'.
But
1. Can they succeed without Brady or Jones?
2. Can Zeigler handle the personnel office as a GM?
3. Who do they keep Carr or Mariota?
4. How will they work the draft? Is it high character, tough football guys are will they try to add size and speed to the team?
* So we should support these guys because they came from a winning program?
But are they the right guys?
Will they use Bellichek's ideas and will it work?
Shouldn't they use some of Al's ideas since he is a bigger legend than Bellichek or is that using old, no good ideas?
Are they able to draft like the Pats? Will they go after high character, tough guys alone or try to go after some faster, bigger athletic guys too- Is it the Pats Way or will they use other ideas too?
Will they get advise from Bellichek, use his and their own ideas or just their own version of the Pats Way or Bellichek's and some of Al's ideas?
Why now to not use ex-Raiders?
Will they find the game changers in the draft? Will they keep drafting guys from Alabama, Ohio State and Clemson?
Didn't Reggie hire a bunch of so-called good assistants?
Didn't we hear this about Reggie- he was from a winning program, worked with a legend(R. Wolfe), was an experienced front office guy?
Didn't the media say Reggie, Gruden and Mayock would take team back to glory?
Didn't Gruden and Mayock know each other? Why 2 guys from the same team?
MD hired these guys?
Surprisingly quiet.
Missing Jackson hurt. He's a difference maker in the secondary... now with the Chargers.
Post a Comment
<< Home