massraider
Footballguy
Not true. He's due a roster bonus in March I believe, so I think there's a good chance he gets cut or restructured.
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Autumn Wind
Footballguy
Well if he does get cut, that pretty much guarantees they take Peterson, no?
Raider Nation
Devil's Advocate
massraider
Footballguy
http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcs.dl...60/1010/SPORT01
Newberry expected on board today
By PHIL BARBER
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
The Raiders missed out on most of the big-ticket free-agent offensive linemen of 2007, but are on the verge of adding a recognizable name. The team was deep into negotiations with free-agent center Jeremy Newberry on Monday night, and was expected to finalize a deal this morning - assuming he passes a physical.
Newberry grew up in Antioch, attended Cal and played nine seasons for the 49ers, though injuries have limited him to 11 games over the past three years. A two-time Pro Bowl choice, he was one of the best centers before the cartilage began to deteriorate in his knees; he underwent two knee surgeries in an eight-month span. Newberry, 31 later this month, could challenge Jake Grove for the starting position in Oakland.
This is not a world-beater move, but Grove needed some competition.
Newberry expected on board today
By PHIL BARBER
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
The Raiders missed out on most of the big-ticket free-agent offensive linemen of 2007, but are on the verge of adding a recognizable name. The team was deep into negotiations with free-agent center Jeremy Newberry on Monday night, and was expected to finalize a deal this morning - assuming he passes a physical.
Newberry grew up in Antioch, attended Cal and played nine seasons for the 49ers, though injuries have limited him to 11 games over the past three years. A two-time Pro Bowl choice, he was one of the best centers before the cartilage began to deteriorate in his knees; he underwent two knee surgeries in an eight-month span. Newberry, 31 later this month, could challenge Jake Grove for the starting position in Oakland.
This is not a world-beater move, but Grove needed some competition.
Raider Nation
Devil's Advocate
I don't think that's the case, mass...When the Newburry chatter began, the idea was that he'd be the new center while Grove gets pushed over to guard. He played very well there at Va. Tech, so I'm not too concerned.
Pretty nice upgrade if he stays healthy. :knocks on wood:
massraider
Footballguy
Yeah, Grove played some guard for us his rookie year as well, if I'm not mistaken.
I still have high hopes for McSexy and Boothe, but competition can't hurt. I'm resigned to us not upgrading the tackle positions this offseason, unless Staley makes his way to us.
I still have high hopes for McSexy and Boothe, but competition can't hurt. I'm resigned to us not upgrading the tackle positions this offseason, unless Staley makes his way to us.
toxicbees
Footballguy
He hasn't been healthy in years. He's old and playing on bad knees (a couple ACL surgeries). I think he'll be cut before the season starts.
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massraider
Footballguy
A Porter radio interview, pulled off another board:
http://www.afcwestforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2331
THE Jerry Porter Interview (long)
I just listened to a 25 minute interview on Sirius NFL radio with Jerry Porter.
The bottom line and his MANTRA:
-14 Points on offense and we are a playoff team
-Just BLOCK baby
This was an exceptionally good interview and somewhat inciteful too...
Highlights:
-He said he doesn't know who the QB will be but that if we can BLOCK for Andrew Walter he can get it done.
-He was impressed with CJ's numbers at the combine and didn't care if we went receiver as long as it helped us win. He mentioned jokingly that if we drafted a kicker who could kick 100 yard FG's consistently that would be OK too.
-He was non-commital about Randy Moss being on board and on the team in 2007. He indicated that Moss hasn't had any substantive talks with Kiffin or Knapp about the offense and that he should. He agreed that he is drinking the Lane Kiffin Kool-Aid but that Randy Moss hasn't tried it yet.
-He blamed almost all the offensive woes on the O-line. He said that it wasn't the players or the talent but that the coaching never got all 5 guys on the same page on any one play and they never were coached to play as a unit. He also said that he didn't want to say much because he got in trouble playing GM last year in terms of Moss being here in '07.
-He discussed how he got suspended last year. He was playing on the defense and had 3 picks against the 1st team offense. One of the coaches (Sims the defensive QC coach) said "Come on, stop doing that so we can get out of here" and Jerry said "We are going to have to be here for 3 hours no matter what so what difference does it make". That got him suspended.
-He firmly believes that our defense is good enough for us to win games and make the playoffs if the offense can just produce 14 points per game on it's own.
-He said that the biggest misconception about Jerry Porter was that he didn't want to play football last year. He also said that he never complained about his contract.
-When he met with Shell twice in the offseason and then got a hard look at Walsh's offense he knew it would never work. He said that even if you had HOF guys all the way accross it would not work.
-He talked about #81 and Tim Brown. He said that Brown and him clashed his rookie year but it was JP's fault. He said after that he talked to Brown every day and used him as a sponge for getting better. He thought Moss would want #84 and he'd take #81 but it never happened so he waited until now in an effort to FORGET about last season.
-They joked with him and said that Gregg Knapp's bio has nothing about him running a B&B. Jerry said and he hasn't been out of football for "how long?" and that there are more choices than just bagels or muffins for breakfast in the morning.
-He was happy that we are bringing LaMont Jordan in and stated again it was all on the offensive line for the running game woes, but blamed the scheme and coaching.
-He said that he never talked to Al Davis once last year but that he's talked to him 3 times already this offseason. He didn't know how approachable Al was until now but that he is a wealth of knowledge and a great person to talk to about the NFL and being a Raider, etc.
He was psyched and very ready to go this season...
http://www.afcwestforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2331
THE Jerry Porter Interview (long)
I just listened to a 25 minute interview on Sirius NFL radio with Jerry Porter.
The bottom line and his MANTRA:
-14 Points on offense and we are a playoff team
-Just BLOCK baby
This was an exceptionally good interview and somewhat inciteful too...
Highlights:
-He said he doesn't know who the QB will be but that if we can BLOCK for Andrew Walter he can get it done.
-He was impressed with CJ's numbers at the combine and didn't care if we went receiver as long as it helped us win. He mentioned jokingly that if we drafted a kicker who could kick 100 yard FG's consistently that would be OK too.
-He was non-commital about Randy Moss being on board and on the team in 2007. He indicated that Moss hasn't had any substantive talks with Kiffin or Knapp about the offense and that he should. He agreed that he is drinking the Lane Kiffin Kool-Aid but that Randy Moss hasn't tried it yet.
-He blamed almost all the offensive woes on the O-line. He said that it wasn't the players or the talent but that the coaching never got all 5 guys on the same page on any one play and they never were coached to play as a unit. He also said that he didn't want to say much because he got in trouble playing GM last year in terms of Moss being here in '07.
-He discussed how he got suspended last year. He was playing on the defense and had 3 picks against the 1st team offense. One of the coaches (Sims the defensive QC coach) said "Come on, stop doing that so we can get out of here" and Jerry said "We are going to have to be here for 3 hours no matter what so what difference does it make". That got him suspended.
-He firmly believes that our defense is good enough for us to win games and make the playoffs if the offense can just produce 14 points per game on it's own.
-He said that the biggest misconception about Jerry Porter was that he didn't want to play football last year. He also said that he never complained about his contract.
-When he met with Shell twice in the offseason and then got a hard look at Walsh's offense he knew it would never work. He said that even if you had HOF guys all the way accross it would not work.
-He talked about #81 and Tim Brown. He said that Brown and him clashed his rookie year but it was JP's fault. He said after that he talked to Brown every day and used him as a sponge for getting better. He thought Moss would want #84 and he'd take #81 but it never happened so he waited until now in an effort to FORGET about last season.
-They joked with him and said that Gregg Knapp's bio has nothing about him running a B&B. Jerry said and he hasn't been out of football for "how long?" and that there are more choices than just bagels or muffins for breakfast in the morning.
-He was happy that we are bringing LaMont Jordan in and stated again it was all on the offensive line for the running game woes, but blamed the scheme and coaching.
-He said that he never talked to Al Davis once last year but that he's talked to him 3 times already this offseason. He didn't know how approachable Al was until now but that he is a wealth of knowledge and a great person to talk to about the NFL and being a Raider, etc.
He was psyched and very ready to go this season...
Raider Nation
Devil's Advocate
I heard the whole interview live. I gotta say, I am impressed with the guy. It was hard to feel sympathy for him when we only got one side of the story last year. I'm encouraged by his attitude.
The Raiders added four new assistant coaches yesterday. The youth movement in the coaching ranks continues... LINKJohn DeFilippo-QBsI love the new hires.Previous Staff[11 coaches fired/released/resigned]
Art Shell
Tom Walsh
John Shoop
Chuck Pagano
Fred Biletnikoff
Jackie Slater
Tedd Daisher
Lorenzo Ward
Irv Eatman
Skip Peete
Darryl Sims
New Blood[8 new hires]
Lane Kiffin - Head Coach
Greg Knapp - Offensive Coordinator
Tom Cable - Offensive Line Coach
Darren Perry - Defensive Back Coach
Mark Jackson - Football Operations
Kelly Skipper - Asst. Offensive Line Coach
Tom Rathman - Running Back Coach
Taver Johnson - Assistant Defensive Line Coach
James Cregg-assistant OL
Randy Hanson- assistant DBs
Sanjay Lal- quality control offense
Raider Nation
Devil's Advocate
His chief responsibilities:
- Coordinate practice schedules
- Deliver critical information on a deadline to make preparations for the game plan
- Gather data about the opposition's tendencies via thorough research and scouting
- Put together concise printed summaries that can be easily understood by coaches
- Bring chicken curry for lunch
massraider
Footballguy
Per Shefter's free agency tracker on NFL.com:
Indianapolis free-agent running back Dominic Rhodes is scheduled to visit the Oakland Raiders on Thursday night.
This is interesting, because it came out of nowhere. I hadn't heard about this visit previously. I doubt anything comes of it, though. Just seems like he'll get more carries/money elsewhere.
Indianapolis free-agent running back Dominic Rhodes is scheduled to visit the Oakland Raiders on Thursday night.
This is interesting, because it came out of nowhere. I hadn't heard about this visit previously. I doubt anything comes of it, though. Just seems like he'll get more carries/money elsewhere.
msommer
Footballguy
I hope the OL coach is a friggin' geniusAnd Porter just made my sleeper list
massraider
Footballguy
Sweeeet news:
http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10033511
The Raiders reached agreement Friday evening with Atlanta 's free-agent fullback Justin Griffith on a three-year, $3.8 million contract, completing a whirlwind day of activity in Oakland. The deal is contingent upon Griffith passing his physical.
http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10033511
The Raiders reached agreement Friday evening with Atlanta 's free-agent fullback Justin Griffith on a three-year, $3.8 million contract, completing a whirlwind day of activity in Oakland. The deal is contingent upon Griffith passing his physical.
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Colin Dowling
Footballguy
Excellent post.
Raider Bill
Footballguy
I dont think you can underestimate how bad the gameplanning, scheming and coaching was last season. Collins attempted the most passes in the league in 2004 and was sacked the 5th fewest times, or something like that.
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massraider
Footballguy
The boys were awarded two compensatory draft picks:
3rd rounder (#99), giving us back to back picks at the 3/4 turn.
7th rounder (#254).
Nice. Per AdamJT13's predictions, I was only expecting a 4th for CWood. This is very good news.
3rd rounder (#99), giving us back to back picks at the 3/4 turn.
7th rounder (#254).
Nice. Per AdamJT13's predictions, I was only expecting a 4th for CWood. This is very good news.
Cookiemonster
Footballguy
Nothin' out here but the message board chatter. I am thinking it's a draft-day trade or nothing. Plenty of steam on the Green Bay thing, but it's just rumor. For what teams are willing to give up, we may as well keep him and his damn salary. An extra 3rd would be great if we needed a LB, DL or maybe corner, but the Raiders are pretty well set at all three, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of depth at any other position in the draft except WR. I still hope we take C.J. and keep Moss for one year to let the kid get seasoned a little before he becomes a starter. Maybe Kalil w/ the 2.01.
Raider Nation
Devil's Advocate
Kiffin today said he fully expects Moss to be a Raider this season.
The Raiders added four new assistant coaches yesterday. The youth movement in the coaching ranks continues... LINKJohn DeFilippo-QBsI love the new hires.Previous Staff[11 coaches fired/released/resigned]
Art Shell
Tom Walsh
John Shoop
Chuck Pagano
Fred Biletnikoff
Jackie Slater
Tedd Daisher
Lorenzo Ward
Irv Eatman
Skip Peete
Darryl Sims
New Blood[8 new hires]
Lane Kiffin - Head Coach
Greg Knapp - Offensive Coordinator
Tom Cable - Offensive Line Coach
Darren Perry - Defensive Back Coach
Mark Jackson - Football Operations
Kelly Skipper - Asst. Offensive Line Coach
Tom Rathman - Running Back Coach
Taver Johnson - Assistant Defensive Line Coach
James Cregg-assistant OL
Randy Hanson- assistant DBs
Sanjay Lal- quality control offense
Raiders are most certainly making quality moves, starting with the coaching staff. Lane Kiffins choice in assistants is encouraging to any fan, bringing in quality coaches to help erase/scrub off the crap they have been learning recently. Its about time all these Raiders get their heads into the game and earn/learn some professional self-respect.Reworking the offensive scheme with more than an ample amount of tutors/coaches to go around. Each player is going to have chance to be handled personally and effectively.
Kiffin, so far, is off to a better start than Art Shell. Shell immediately alienated the team when he clashed with Jerry Porter. Things started off poorly and resonated like a tuning fork.
Any improvement in time of possesion, oline play, better qb guidance, wr focus and the defense can continue its good play, it is good time to be a raiderfan. The 1st 4 resquests might be asking alot
. At the NFL level there is no way MEN can continue to suck. The Raiders will respond positively. It can't get any worse. 
Take Calvin Johnson(too talented)...trade Randy Moss(too lazy )...develop your former offensive draft picks(too underdeveloped from poor tutoring)...Raise the Organization Spirits(too depressing)
Go Raiders!
massraider
Footballguy
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?...PGS3OUR0H11.DTL
Tom Martinez knows better. He knows that an arm does not make a quarterback. He knows that Tom Brady, his most famous protégé, won three Super Bowls because he respects the finer points of the job. And he knows that a quarterback should never, ever be asked to roll to one side of the field and then throw to the other. It's inefficient, mechanically unsound, such a scandalous misuse of momentum that a 10th-grade physics student would flag the play.
But Martinez couldn't help himself. JaMarcus Russell's arm is that seductive.
When it came time to create a list of plays for Russell to run in front of dozens of NFL scouts and executives last month, Martinez went with the taboo as their grand finale. Russell rolled right, and his receiver broke that way, too, before switching direction.
"JaMarcus threw it 70 yards and completed it," Martinez said. "It was unbelievable, unbelievable. You could hear this "Ahhhh" coming from all the NFL people."
He wore a mischievous grin when he described the play, still exhilarated that Russell could do something so wrong so right. In his 32 years as a coach at the College of San Mateo and endless summers tutoring quarterbacks at football camps, Martinez has worked with some of the biggest names in the business -- John Elway, future Heisman winner Gino Torretta, USC's Rob Johnson and Brady, who attended his first Martinez camp at age 13 and still calls on him for help with his mechanics. New Englanders view Martinez as something of a wizard.
But the coach has never seen anyone quite like the 21-year-old favorite to become the No. 1 pick in this month's NFL draft or done anything like the prep work that he performed for Russell.
"This thing was very good for me, it was uplifting," said Martinez, 62, who recently went into semi-retirement because three decades of nonstop coaching had worn away at his heart.
The pair worked together for two one-week training sessions and then met up again in Baton Rouge, La., for Russell's "pro day," the NFL draft's equivalent of walking the red carpet. Hired by Russell's agents, Martinez became, for want of a better term, the quarterback's throwing stylist.
At Athletes' Performance, a specialized training camp in Tempe, Ariz., Martinez joined a team grooming Russell to take his place atop the draft. The chief competition, Brady Quinn of Notre Dame, is more polished and experienced than Russell, with four years as a college starter as opposed to two, yet he showed up in Tempe for some buffing of his own.
"They never threw at the same time," Martinez said. "Brady Quinn would throw in the morning and JaMarcus would throw in the afternoon. There was a little bit of competition there."
Russell's size makes him both alluring and unnerving, creating doubts about his agility. He can probably absorb a hit very well, but will he lumber around in the pocket, unable to keep up with the speed of the NFL game? At 6-foot-6, he looks more like a tight end than a quarterback, and he reportedly carried as much as 265 pounds when he led LSU past Quinn's Irish in the Sugar Bowl. His fitness advisers in Arizona peeled close to 10 pounds off him, revealing a sleeker model. Martinez immediately went to work on Russell's feet.
On their first day together, Martinez measured the distance Russell covered in a three-step drop. "The first time he did it, it was 41/3 yards," Martinez said, "and in 45 minutes, we had him dropping back 7 yards in the same amount of time."
Among other things, he adjusted Russell's hand position after the snap, giving him more balance and leverage on the drop. The next day, he showed a videotape of the session to Russell, increasing the quarterback's confidence in what they had achieved.
By the time they were done with their training, Russell's footwork was strong enough that Martinez wanted to showcase it on "pro day."
In fact, he wanted to put all of Russell's presumed weaknesses on display. Agents create scripts for these events, and they are usually written to obscure areas of doubt. Martinez reasoned that the scouts and coaches would eventually, in private workouts, ask Russell to perform drills that emphasized perceived shortcomings. He wanted the script to answer the big questions, to assure the scouts that Russell had nothing to hide.
The Raiders, current owners of the top pick, recently invited Martinez for what was reported to be an interview to become the team's quarterbacks coach. Martinez read it more as "a chance to exchange information," and he filled them in on what he had learned about Russell.
Russell's soft-spoken personality? "He's very quiet, very respectful," Martinez said, "He doesn't say much, but he's always taking things in. You can see him sizing things up and figuring people out."
Russell's background? Martinez believes that any NFL executive who meets with Russell's relatives will gain confidence in the decision to draft him. "He has a very grounded family," Martinez said. "They're all squared away. They're not buying into the fanfare around this."
The other information he would like to impart would apply to any 21-year-old. Russell needs stability, continuity on the coaching staff. Martinez once heard Jim Plunkett describe a harrowing period in his career when the quarterbacks coach changed four times in four years. He doesn't want one of the most prodigious talents the game has ever seen to be squandered.
Martinez has seen all of Russell's flaws up close, and he still finds himself amazed. He says that Russell, fulfilling a typical scout's request, can stand flat-footed at the goal line and, without moving his body for the necessary torque, throw a ball 77 yards downfield.
He can also sit at the opponent's 40-yard line and throw a ball through the uprights of the goalpost. Cal's Kyle Boller once asserted that he could throw the same pass from the 50 while on his knees. But Russell does it on his backside, relying entirely on his arm. Martinez fondly calls this maneuver "the butt throw."
Martinez is a technical wizard, so he probably shouldn't be so impressed. But he can't help himself. Two weeks as JaMarcus Russell's coach turned him into a fan.
Tom Martinez knows better. He knows that an arm does not make a quarterback. He knows that Tom Brady, his most famous protégé, won three Super Bowls because he respects the finer points of the job. And he knows that a quarterback should never, ever be asked to roll to one side of the field and then throw to the other. It's inefficient, mechanically unsound, such a scandalous misuse of momentum that a 10th-grade physics student would flag the play.
But Martinez couldn't help himself. JaMarcus Russell's arm is that seductive.
When it came time to create a list of plays for Russell to run in front of dozens of NFL scouts and executives last month, Martinez went with the taboo as their grand finale. Russell rolled right, and his receiver broke that way, too, before switching direction.
"JaMarcus threw it 70 yards and completed it," Martinez said. "It was unbelievable, unbelievable. You could hear this "Ahhhh" coming from all the NFL people."
He wore a mischievous grin when he described the play, still exhilarated that Russell could do something so wrong so right. In his 32 years as a coach at the College of San Mateo and endless summers tutoring quarterbacks at football camps, Martinez has worked with some of the biggest names in the business -- John Elway, future Heisman winner Gino Torretta, USC's Rob Johnson and Brady, who attended his first Martinez camp at age 13 and still calls on him for help with his mechanics. New Englanders view Martinez as something of a wizard.
But the coach has never seen anyone quite like the 21-year-old favorite to become the No. 1 pick in this month's NFL draft or done anything like the prep work that he performed for Russell.
"This thing was very good for me, it was uplifting," said Martinez, 62, who recently went into semi-retirement because three decades of nonstop coaching had worn away at his heart.
The pair worked together for two one-week training sessions and then met up again in Baton Rouge, La., for Russell's "pro day," the NFL draft's equivalent of walking the red carpet. Hired by Russell's agents, Martinez became, for want of a better term, the quarterback's throwing stylist.
At Athletes' Performance, a specialized training camp in Tempe, Ariz., Martinez joined a team grooming Russell to take his place atop the draft. The chief competition, Brady Quinn of Notre Dame, is more polished and experienced than Russell, with four years as a college starter as opposed to two, yet he showed up in Tempe for some buffing of his own.
"They never threw at the same time," Martinez said. "Brady Quinn would throw in the morning and JaMarcus would throw in the afternoon. There was a little bit of competition there."
Russell's size makes him both alluring and unnerving, creating doubts about his agility. He can probably absorb a hit very well, but will he lumber around in the pocket, unable to keep up with the speed of the NFL game? At 6-foot-6, he looks more like a tight end than a quarterback, and he reportedly carried as much as 265 pounds when he led LSU past Quinn's Irish in the Sugar Bowl. His fitness advisers in Arizona peeled close to 10 pounds off him, revealing a sleeker model. Martinez immediately went to work on Russell's feet.
On their first day together, Martinez measured the distance Russell covered in a three-step drop. "The first time he did it, it was 41/3 yards," Martinez said, "and in 45 minutes, we had him dropping back 7 yards in the same amount of time."
Among other things, he adjusted Russell's hand position after the snap, giving him more balance and leverage on the drop. The next day, he showed a videotape of the session to Russell, increasing the quarterback's confidence in what they had achieved.
By the time they were done with their training, Russell's footwork was strong enough that Martinez wanted to showcase it on "pro day."
In fact, he wanted to put all of Russell's presumed weaknesses on display. Agents create scripts for these events, and they are usually written to obscure areas of doubt. Martinez reasoned that the scouts and coaches would eventually, in private workouts, ask Russell to perform drills that emphasized perceived shortcomings. He wanted the script to answer the big questions, to assure the scouts that Russell had nothing to hide.
The Raiders, current owners of the top pick, recently invited Martinez for what was reported to be an interview to become the team's quarterbacks coach. Martinez read it more as "a chance to exchange information," and he filled them in on what he had learned about Russell.
Russell's soft-spoken personality? "He's very quiet, very respectful," Martinez said, "He doesn't say much, but he's always taking things in. You can see him sizing things up and figuring people out."
Russell's background? Martinez believes that any NFL executive who meets with Russell's relatives will gain confidence in the decision to draft him. "He has a very grounded family," Martinez said. "They're all squared away. They're not buying into the fanfare around this."
The other information he would like to impart would apply to any 21-year-old. Russell needs stability, continuity on the coaching staff. Martinez once heard Jim Plunkett describe a harrowing period in his career when the quarterbacks coach changed four times in four years. He doesn't want one of the most prodigious talents the game has ever seen to be squandered.
Martinez has seen all of Russell's flaws up close, and he still finds himself amazed. He says that Russell, fulfilling a typical scout's request, can stand flat-footed at the goal line and, without moving his body for the necessary torque, throw a ball 77 yards downfield.
He can also sit at the opponent's 40-yard line and throw a ball through the uprights of the goalpost. Cal's Kyle Boller once asserted that he could throw the same pass from the 50 while on his knees. But Russell does it on his backside, relying entirely on his arm. Martinez fondly calls this maneuver "the butt throw."
Martinez is a technical wizard, so he probably shouldn't be so impressed. But he can't help himself. Two weeks as JaMarcus Russell's coach turned him into a fan.
Atomic Punk
Footballguy
I have been going back and forth over this first pick for weeks and have been very wary of Russell going to the Raiders at #1. This is the first article that has given me any comfort that it may not be a mistake to take Russell. When it comes to QB's, Maritnez's word is gold.
Raider Nation
Devil's Advocate
RavensUNFL
Footballguy
Anyone have Al's email address? I have been a Raider fan since I became a football fan some 30 years ago, I am one of those fans that can't even watch football highlights when we lose, I feel sick all week long.. yes I have had A LOT of bad weeks lately. But I feel like I did when we hired Gruden (Like hiring Kiffin is a good first step), I loved that move and when we traded Gruden I realized I hated Al Davis and that he did not care about winning but more about being The Man behind us winning, if he wasn't the reason, he would make damn sure no one else was getting any credit for it either. Al needs to go to football heaven and we need to hire someone that WANTS to win and understands football as it is today, I feel very upbeat about our team and coaches, but I feel we have that black jump suit shaped cloud looming overhead casting a dark shadow over everything that happens. As far as the #1 pick goes (If we go QB), does Jamarcus fit in a west coast offense or would Brady be the better choice? It's a tough choice, somehow I feel come draft day we will suprise everyone and do something very Raiderish and not what anyone will expect. I do think CJ would look damn good in silver and black, but I do not see Walter as a good west coast offense QB, he just does not look like he thinks on his feet well. I think thats why a very athletic QB like Vick also can't run it, you have to be smart (Not saying he is dumb, just not Qb smart) and quickly process what is happening infront of you which is why Gannon was so great at it. Anyone remember Rusty Hilger (His motto: tee it high and let if fly)? great arm, no brain and he sucked, I am inclined to think Quinn may be the better option for us and the offense we will be running, however, if we get Carr (I think the right situation he could be a solid QB) then we have to take CJ as he seems to be a once in a lifetime time prospect and we don't want to be the Texans of this draft. imhoscratch that...GREAT POSTING
Tim
My login here is my fantasy football league team name, I use it so the guys in my league can find posts, if they are so inclined, not because I am a ravens fan.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
JR sounds like an amazing physical QB. What amazes me is that CJ is said to be the best player hands down by almost everyone. In fact, I have yet to see or hear anyone say otherwise. But what good is a great WR if you can not get him the ball with a decent QB? But then again- with that OL play last year- can we disregard Walter as not capable? How many QB's would be good when they had no protection? Same thing goes for Carr, who I believe is under rated because of the OL play he had in Houston, could he be good if given some time to throw?
I think the safest bet is to go JR. JR chucking some deep throws up to Moss is very attractive thought.
Perhaps the best move may be to deal Moss for something other than Rodgers (god that would be a horrible deal) that helps us... perhaps a good QB or OL or decent draft pick. Sign Carr and then draft CJ with the #1 overall.
I think the safest bet is to go JR. JR chucking some deep throws up to Moss is very attractive thought.
Perhaps the best move may be to deal Moss for something other than Rodgers (god that would be a horrible deal) that helps us... perhaps a good QB or OL or decent draft pick. Sign Carr and then draft CJ with the #1 overall.
Ed Wood
Footballguy
I worry about the first paragraph. I think a QB should be an "in your face" type guy, kind of like Manning. Not obnoxious but not afraid to stick his nose in.I worry about the second paragraph as well. The Raiders are anything but a stable franchise.
Nonetheless, I think they need to take a QB here if nothing changes up to draft day...
Christmas is less than a month away for us Raiders fans, whats Uncle Al gonna get us?
-As tempting as Calvin Johnson is, if they don't trade Moss, I don't see how this pick makes sense. Moss, Porter, Curry and Johnson would be one of the most talented groups of WRs in the league, but it won't win them many ball games. This might be one of the few instances where a team will have to pass on the most talented player in the draft because other needs are so pressing. Unlike the Texans last year who could have really used the services of Reggie Bush.
- Joe Thomas is the safe pick. Al Davis has heard that before when he drafted Gallery, I say he passes on Thomas without blinking an eye. This pick needs to be exciting, it also needs to put butts in the seats at the Coliseum, Thomas would be a logical pick but not an average fan favorite. Its like getting socks and sweaters for Christmas, where's the shiney new bike or the stereo we asked for Uncle Al?
- The pick has got to be a QB, but which one? Brady Quinn looks like he'll be a good pro, he doesn't have the skillset Russell has but he comes from a pro-style offense at Notre Dame, and might be ready play sooner than Russell. The kid could be the face of the Raiders franchise for the next decade. But is he an Al Davis type player?
-Davis needs to hit a home run, that's why I say if he keeps it, he goes with JaMarcus Russell. His nonchaluant(sp?) attitude and flabby physique at the combine really put alot of doubt in the minds of people around the NFL and in the media. But he did redeem himself a bit at his pro-day workout. Working in Russell's favor is his incredible arm strength and athletic ability. This is what Davis sees, his showing at the combine can be written off as a youthful mistake. I bet Davis has conducted a few interviews with Russell and has a pretty good idea what kind man he is, and if he's a winner or not. On top of that, Russell would be a ticket-seller and a fan favorite.
-As tempting as Calvin Johnson is, if they don't trade Moss, I don't see how this pick makes sense. Moss, Porter, Curry and Johnson would be one of the most talented groups of WRs in the league, but it won't win them many ball games. This might be one of the few instances where a team will have to pass on the most talented player in the draft because other needs are so pressing. Unlike the Texans last year who could have really used the services of Reggie Bush.
- Joe Thomas is the safe pick. Al Davis has heard that before when he drafted Gallery, I say he passes on Thomas without blinking an eye. This pick needs to be exciting, it also needs to put butts in the seats at the Coliseum, Thomas would be a logical pick but not an average fan favorite. Its like getting socks and sweaters for Christmas, where's the shiney new bike or the stereo we asked for Uncle Al?
- The pick has got to be a QB, but which one? Brady Quinn looks like he'll be a good pro, he doesn't have the skillset Russell has but he comes from a pro-style offense at Notre Dame, and might be ready play sooner than Russell. The kid could be the face of the Raiders franchise for the next decade. But is he an Al Davis type player?
-Davis needs to hit a home run, that's why I say if he keeps it, he goes with JaMarcus Russell. His nonchaluant(sp?) attitude and flabby physique at the combine really put alot of doubt in the minds of people around the NFL and in the media. But he did redeem himself a bit at his pro-day workout. Working in Russell's favor is his incredible arm strength and athletic ability. This is what Davis sees, his showing at the combine can be written off as a youthful mistake. I bet Davis has conducted a few interviews with Russell and has a pretty good idea what kind man he is, and if he's a winner or not. On top of that, Russell would be a ticket-seller and a fan favorite.
massraider
Footballguy
One thing I learned a long time ago, the more talented you are, the greater your leadership skills.I can't think of a QB that could get it done on the field, but was done in because of his mild demeanor. If you can win, players will follow. In-your-face attitude without the talent, is just a jerk. Quiet guy with talent? Well, he's a calm, quiet leader, like Joe Montana.Ed Wood said:
Autumn Wind
Footballguy
The Raiders sold out 6 of 8 home games last year, without Russell at QB.
Not good enough, they should sell all of their games out.
gump
Footballguy
The Raiders typically finish near the bottom in the league in attendance, by both average people and % filled.http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/attendance
"LEADERSHIP IS OVERRATED" - quote from the unarguablly, immensly talented Jeff George. I think Russell 's leadership will probably fall somewhere in the middle of Montana and George. Where exactly is the $100 million dollar question.
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Where are these 100+ percentages coming from, are they counting the employees and the press at some places? I also found it interesting that the SB winning Colts where at the bottom of most of these stats.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/attendance
massraider
Footballguy
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6649740
A pretty interesting read from the Football Outsiders dweebs on the AFC West offseason.
A pretty interesting read from the Football Outsiders dweebs on the AFC West offseason.
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
One thing not to discount is that the OC is Gregg Knapp, the same man who tried to force the West Coast Offense on Michael Vick, who could not have been more ill-suited for it.
Does Knapp plan to run the WCO come hell or high water again? If so, is it suited to Russell's talents? His biggest plus is arm strength, which isn't as big a deal in the WCO as it is in the vertical passing offense.
Given that, do they pass on Russell and take someone else?
Does Knapp plan to run the WCO come hell or high water again? If so, is it suited to Russell's talents? His biggest plus is arm strength, which isn't as big a deal in the WCO as it is in the vertical passing offense.
Given that, do they pass on Russell and take someone else?
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massraider
Footballguy
Chadstroma
Footballguy
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
I'm not a Falcons fan so I can't give you as good an answer as they can. But the plan to have Vick run the WCO was announced as soon as Knapp was hired. So it was either all Knapp or half Knapp/half Mora, IMO.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
I am in the same camp as you here but I seem to remember interviews of Mora talking about Vick and that he could be a good WCO QB. Might just be the company line to protect his OC at the time but I certainly have not seen or heard enough evidence in any direction to let me think Knapp was the driving force behind that in Atlanta. Has Mora ever been a coach on a non-WCO team?
The 2006 Oakland Raiders (YouTube)
DA RAIDERS
Footballguy
so we end up with the toughest schedule in the league next year, 
DA RAIDERS
Footballguy
my optimistic prediction.... 5-11.
what say you raider fans?
what say you raider fans?
Silver & Black
Footballguy
Faith, fellow Raider fan, faith.As an unbridled Raiders homer, I am confident that Oakland's O-line will be better next season. Substantially better. I have read reports that Oakland is moving their lineman around, trying to find the right match for players that have so vastly underachieved in the recent past. Starting with Gallery.I saw an interview with him recently and I think he is going to come out and meet expectations this year. He (and the rest of the lineman) hears what people say about them and is not happy about it. They are changing the blocking scheme and I think Gallery comes out and plays with a chip on his shoulder this year. This will motivate the other players, and with a much improved attitude in camp, I think we are going to see drastic improvements on the line this season.And that is the key. If the line can play well, not great or awesome, just well, I think the offense is going to be pretty darn good this year. It's hard to predict what is going to happen because of all the rumors swirling about the draft and Moss, but here's my take.Moss is gone. He has to be. Porter is happy and will also be playing with a lot to prove. Whatever or however it plays out, I think Oakland winds up with CJ and a veteran QB. Putting it all together, you have a better performing O-line, a great WR corps, playing angry with a lot to prove and an excellent rushing combo of Jordan and Rhodes. Oakland's offense will be pretty good. Not great or mind blowing, but significantly better.And that's all it needs to be because the Raider defense is awesome. They were awesome last year and they are going to be that much better this year. So, with one of the strongest defenses in the league and a much improved offense, I think Oakland is going to surprise a lot of people this season, despite their tough schedule. Teams are going to take them lightly and consistently look past them, week in and week out. Faith Raider's bretheren, faith. In this day and age, teams have gone from horrid to exceptional in one season and I don't see any reason why Oakland can't do the same this year.
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So what is your prediction then? I have faith. I renewed my season tickets for a 12th season. I feel a 6-10 record would be going in the right direction and will only be achieved with the positives you pointed out coming to fruition.
