Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
2015 Oakland Raiders Thread (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Raiderfan32904
- Start date
Normally would be a year from playoffs but with Ben injured again, tie break over Jets & up & down of Bills, playoffs are definitely still makeable - even to be 1 and done. Lost Murray & went down 14 in 4th & still tied! Pitt is a vet bunch on O. Our O stayed with them despite making alot of youthful mistakes with turnovers & drops....and have u ever seen a team have so many great catches out of bounds? Al blew it with DHB but gotta lock up Crab. Need alot of help on D but few Os as strong as Pitt.
Cold Dead Hands
Footballguy
Yes, but those guys became legitimate starters, legends really. Evans was talented, sure, but I never looked at him and thought, "He should be starting." When he did get in the game, #### was going to get fun. He once threw an interception on a curl that should have been a pick six and he took a good angle and blew the CB up. ### over teakettle. I loved that guy but never wanted him to start.
massraider
Footballguy
We weren't thrilled about the secondary before the season, and the projected starters, only one of them was present and healthy yesterday. Beat up Woodson, no Nate Allen, no Carrie. On the road, against Ben. Amazing Carr didn't wilt under the pressure. The secondary needs to be addressed, but with Allen and Carrie back, I think it goes from 'downright awful' to 'below average'. Still needs to be addressed in the offseason, but there are parts there. We just cannot have Larry Asante and Taylor Mays out there. It's not like having either one playing was the plan, they are street free agents picked up in desperation. Still a pathetic effort from the secondary yesterday, but that's what QBs like Big Ben do, pick apart decimated defensive backfields.
I don't believe the defense is strong enough to be real contenders, but really, who is scary in the AFC? The Pats. Denver is really good, but I figure once Peyton's arthritis starts acting up ("My neck is aching, must be a storm coming!!"), they will be ripe to get knocked off by someone.
The defense has really, IMO, never looked strong, mainly because the secondary hasn't really slowed anyone down. Pass rush can't get there if the secondary can't cover for three seconds. But the front 7 has all looked solid at times. Dan Williams has played well, and teams aren't gashing us up the middle any more. The last time I said that was Darrell Russell/Grady Jackson days. Malcolm Smith is a perfect example of the free agency moves that winning teams make, along with Crabtree.
THey are playing better ball now than they were in September, and I bet they will be playing even better in December. Amazing how quickly the offense has become scary.
My dream is a playoff win this year, in the wild card round. I would settle for anything 8-8 or above.
But if you looking around at other AFC teams, who is poised to replace the Pats? How many teams would you change situations with?
I don't believe the defense is strong enough to be real contenders, but really, who is scary in the AFC? The Pats. Denver is really good, but I figure once Peyton's arthritis starts acting up ("My neck is aching, must be a storm coming!!"), they will be ripe to get knocked off by someone.
The defense has really, IMO, never looked strong, mainly because the secondary hasn't really slowed anyone down. Pass rush can't get there if the secondary can't cover for three seconds. But the front 7 has all looked solid at times. Dan Williams has played well, and teams aren't gashing us up the middle any more. The last time I said that was Darrell Russell/Grady Jackson days. Malcolm Smith is a perfect example of the free agency moves that winning teams make, along with Crabtree.
THey are playing better ball now than they were in September, and I bet they will be playing even better in December. Amazing how quickly the offense has become scary.
My dream is a playoff win this year, in the wild card round. I would settle for anything 8-8 or above.
But if you looking around at other AFC teams, who is poised to replace the Pats? How many teams would you change situations with?
Great post! For the first time in 12 years I can honestly say I wouldn't trade places with any team in the league. Which makes the Pitt loss sting a little less. Just wish we could have that Chicago game back. Also seemed like the Steelers beat them up a little bit, Murray, Walford, Crab all took some shots. Looked like Mitchell was playing with something to prove against his old team. And Cooper dropped some balls he would normally catch, I think he was looking out for the big hit. And Holmes disappeared last week but the offense still stood up to the test.
And I gotta say, for as bad as the secondary played, Woodson is a man amongst boys out there.
RaiderBones
Footballguy
Last edited by a moderator:
battlebaby
Footballguy
Murray's in the concussion protocol again...he missed a game last year with a concussion, so what's the plan this year if he misses time? Anyone hearing any rumblings about Rajion Neal getting promoted to the active roster? He looked pretty good in the preseason with the Packers.
TartanLion
Footballguy
Hey Raiders fan, any idea what will be happening in the backfield if Murray misses time ?
I always like the look of Reece whenever he gets a chance. Doubt it will happen but would love to see what he could do if he got 10-12 carries and a nice splattering of receptions in one game.
I always like the look of Reece whenever he gets a chance. Doubt it will happen but would love to see what he could do if he got 10-12 carries and a nice splattering of receptions in one game.
32 Counter Pass
Footballguy
Not very good compared to whom? Watch the game again. Hayden came up and made some nice tackles. That attribute in itself is rare among CBs. I will grant you that he is not a premier CB, but frankly, we could put Revis back there and he would get scorched given our lack of pass rush.krsone21 said:
Autumn Wind
Footballguy
My main takeaway from the Steelers game was the Raiders did not once show any signs of quitting, whereas in most years they would've ended up losing by 21. It's the kind of thing that doesn't really show up on a stat sheet, but this team appears to be fully on board with Del Rio at this point.
But yeah, that secondary needs some major help this offseason.
But yeah, that secondary needs some major help this offseason.
Chaka
Footballguy
Needs to go? Are you kidding? No one is arguing that he is a #1 lockdown CB but he is definitely a starter quality NFL CB. You don't just ditch a guy like that. And I also liked the fact that he doesn't seem to shy away from contact. He may have the qualities necessary to make a successful transition to safety.krsone21 said:
ICON211
Footballguy
Although a tough loss there were things to be encouraged about. The rest of the schedule is not bad at all:
MIN
at DET
at TEN
KC
at DEN
GB
SD
at KC
Minnesota is a good team, but they may not have Bridge and even with him they can be beat. Really, the next 4 are all winnable games. Need to go at least 3-1 in those games. Maybe I am being overly optimistic, but I think 8-8 is a lock and there is a chance for 10-6. No reason we shouldn't be in the playoff hunt till the very end at the least.
MIN
at DET
at TEN
KC
at DEN
GB
SD
at KC
Minnesota is a good team, but they may not have Bridge and even with him they can be beat. Really, the next 4 are all winnable games. Need to go at least 3-1 in those games. Maybe I am being overly optimistic, but I think 8-8 is a lock and there is a chance for 10-6. No reason we shouldn't be in the playoff hunt till the very end at the least.
Chaka
Footballguy
There is every reason to be optimistic about the Raiders but, unless Aldon Smith starts playing like Bruce Smith, I think 4-4 is what the expectation should be for the rest of the season. The defense just isn't good enough to give confidence that they will be able to hold scoring in check for even average offenses. Mack and Smith need to start getting after the QB a lot better than they are for the defense to have a chance to consistently help the offense.
massraider
Footballguy
This team could also go 6-2 the rest of the way.
Chaka
Footballguy
They could go 8-0, beat the Jets at home in the first round of the playoffs then go on the road and beat Cincinnati and then go on the road and beat New England and then go across the bay and beat Carolina in the Super Bowl!
USA! USA! USA!
???
If they make the playoffs as a wildcard they wouldn't play the Jets....currently if they were the 6 seed they would play Denver. If they make it to the 5 seed they would play the AFC south division winner....whoever that ends up being....
Personally I think 6-2 the rest of the way is a real possibility....if TJ Carrie was playing on Sunday I doubt AB ends up with as many catches as he did and Oakland probably wins that game.
Either way the fact that we are arguing whether or not they end up 8-8, 9-7 or 10-6 speaks volumes on how improved this team is and how bright the future is.
RaiderBones
Footballguy
Chaka
Footballguy
massraider
Footballguy
The AFC is a mess. If we make the playoffs, a very big IF, we will be a team nobody wants to play.
There's a lot of winnable games left. We have hope, and are on the right path. I'll take it.
There's a lot of winnable games left. We have hope, and are on the right path. I'll take it.
Sarlakticacid
Footballguy
Min is a winable game. Esp with their lack of ability to play on the west coast
DocHolliday
Footballguy
Every game is winnable again. This team must finish 8-8 to continue growing and moving in the right direction. Anything less than playoffs next season is a disappointment.
RaiderBones
Footballguy
Disney CEO agrees to lead LA stadium project for Raiders and Chargers
Jason La Canfora
http://mweb.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/25369834/disney-ceo-agrees-to-lead-la-stadium-project-for-raiders-and-chargers
Jason La Canfora
http://mweb.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/25369834/disney-ceo-agrees-to-lead-la-stadium-project-for-raiders-and-chargers
massraider
Footballguy
I don't really follow this stadium thing, but this is being called a very good move on Twitter, in terms of helping the potential move.
Markus P Dub
Footballguy
Cooper hurt his quad today in practice. A huge bump for Crabs or more D isolation?
Amari Cooper suffers quad injury at practice - Amari Cooper (WR) Oakland Raiders
Amari Cooper suffers quad injury at practice - Amari Cooper (WR) Oakland Raiders
ffldrew
Footballguy
If we all had been paid $1 for every "promising" stadium story out of LA in the last 20 years we could be retired now.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Raiderfan32904
Footballguy
It's interesting reading up on the straw polls the media has for support of Kroenke vs Spanos/Davis. For all of Kroenke's money, the Carson initiative has more than 2 to 1 owner support. And with Disney getting in on the action, it sure looks like Carson is going to happen.
Chaka
Footballguy
The NFL doesn't need to use Los Angeles as a threat to get other cities to build stadiums anymore now that they have convinced fans that London is a viable threat. The smart money is on the NFL legitimately wanting to tap the second largest media market in the country.
Chaka
Footballguy
Seriously. What Loins fan doesn't have a 2nd team that they love/follow? Growing up in the early-/mid-80s, it was Dan Fouts and the Chargers for me.
32 Counter Pass
Footballguy
Looks like Coop returned to full practice today. What are we expecting this week? Seems like a pretty good match for us on defense, even if Bridewater plays. Mainly, I want to see Carr continuing to shred defenses. Man, that is refreshing to watch. We just need to generate more pass rush ( Hey Norton, let's fire up that blitz ).
thatguythere
Footballguy
Had a Raiders hat back in the day and that thing is still around somewhere. Drafted Carr in two money leagues and that has turned out rather nice. Been riding Eli but with him on the bye week 11...... the Raiders get.......you guessed it the Detroit Lions.Seriously. What Loins fan doesn't have a 2nd team that they love/follow? Growing up in the early-/mid-80s, it was Dan Fouts and the Chargers for me.
RaiderBones
Footballguy
Former 49ers owner DeBartolo interested in Raiders ownership stake
Jason La Canfora
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/25374439/former-49ers-owner-debartolo-interested-in-raiders-ownership-stake
Jason La Canfora
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/25374439/former-49ers-owner-debartolo-interested-in-raiders-ownership-stake
Autumn Wind
Footballguy
Enjoy the wins when and if they come, because the fact of the matter is that this team is still at least a year or two away from being a legit playoff contender.
This is why most of us fans were cautiously optimistic a few weeks ago. That being said, there are pieces in place now, which for me, as a long-time Raider fan, is something to be excited for. Chaka is right, for as much as I rail on that lousy defense, OL and protecting their franchise QB should be priority #1. I finally forced myself to watch the replay of the Minnesota game. I was mildly surprised. I thought the Raiders played better on defense than the score indicated. Other than the first pass of the game, when Hayden got 2 penalties on the same play ( I'm still not on board with this guy), they held Bridgewater/Diggs/Wallace in check. And they actually did pretty well on Peterson until the 4th quarter when the team basically deflated. And for those of you who think Mack and Smith aren't generating a pass rush, watch them closely. They are getting so close on almost every pass play. Seems like every pass, Teddy was flushed and Mack and or Smith was swatting at his feet.
Woodson looks tired and hurt, but he's battling. Ray Ray needs to go and Lofton is adequate in the middle. Definitely the best MLB they've had in recent years, but that's not saying a whole lot. I think Edwards and Malcolm Smith are the unsung heroes on a defense that needs a few more pieces.
Offense and special teams lost this game, more accurately, the Vikes won the game. They played a sounder game and you gotta give their D credit for coming into a hostile environment and shutting down one of the hottest offenses in the NFL the past month or so. Seems like the offense really missed Hudson. Hopefully he's back soon. Probably the most pressure I've seen Carr under all year besides the Cincy game. All in all, I thought the Raiders played better than the score indicated. I predict a bounce-back win this week, especially if Hudson is back at center.
DocHolliday
Footballguy
This season is full of valuable teaching moments for this team. They did not hold up well in the second half against Minny. They get a poor team grade. The lack of talent in the secondary is painfully obvious. Woodson is doing all that his 39 year old body will let him.
This Sunday is another test for a young team. The Raiders must win against a team that they should beat. Curious to see if they are fired up and play for the win. The O needs to come out firing and not stop for all 4 quarters. I am losing faith in the running game. The Raiders need to throw the ball to set up the run. That is ok in this NFL and with Carr. He is getting valuable experience for next season when they should make a run towards the playoffs.
This Sunday is another test for a young team. The Raiders must win against a team that they should beat. Curious to see if they are fired up and play for the win. The O needs to come out firing and not stop for all 4 quarters. I am losing faith in the running game. The Raiders need to throw the ball to set up the run. That is ok in this NFL and with Carr. He is getting valuable experience for next season when they should make a run towards the playoffs.
Autumn Wind
Footballguy
Aldon Smith suspended for a year by the NFL. That should certainly help this defense. 
TartanLion
Footballguy
Slightly bizarre that there's three Lions fans on the page of this thread talking about the Raiders as a second team. Make me four. I will always be a Lions fan but the Raiders are definitely the team I have a little soft spot for. Probably the fact that I love an underdog, the name logo and uniform is class, and the fact I was bought an LA Raiders bomber jacket when I was a kid in the late 80s. Unsurprisingly, shops in the UK weren't shelved with Lions clobber back then. Seemed to be Raiders, Redskins and 49ers and nothing else. All my US family are from Seattle, but I find it hard to back the Seahawks.
Last edited by a moderator:
DocHolliday
Footballguy
Aldon Smith suspended for a year by the NFL. That should certainly help this defense.
32 Counter Pass
Footballguy
Watching the Viking game with fresh eyes, the game was much closer than the scored indicated, as Bruno mentioned. The Raiders had only one extended drive in the second half, and that drive occurred when they went hurry up. I think an argument can be made that this loss was on the coaching staff. The staff must do everything they can to protect the defense, which includes extending offensive drives. I would like to see more hurry up offense used earlier moving forward.
I am beginning to suspect Murray isn't a very instinctive runner. He misread several runs that presented some huge opportunities. (Lamar Miller to the white courtesy phone.)
While A. Smith didn't have the same impact as he did as a 9er, I hope the team supports him and signs him long term. He could play very big dividends if he gets his head screwed on straight.
Woodson is a rock and deserves a special place in the Raider HOF.
I am beginning to suspect Murray isn't a very instinctive runner. He misread several runs that presented some huge opportunities. (Lamar Miller to the white courtesy phone.)
While A. Smith didn't have the same impact as he did as a 9er, I hope the team supports him and signs him long term. He could play very big dividends if he gets his head screwed on straight.
Woodson is a rock and deserves a special place in the Raider HOF.
Chaka
Footballguy
I think the Patterson return TD just took the wind out of them and they never recovered.
I agree about Murray. I like him but am not sold on him. Not sure I would want L.Miller but I think they should start mining RBs in the 4th round or later (maybe 3rd if a unique opportunity presents itself).
Both Smith and the organization have said that they are in each others long term plans. I think that's great and hope he is not only sincere about getting his head straight but has the will and support to implement a sustainable strategy to do so.
