Kiffin's comments about managing roster (1 Viewer)

[Bri]

NAPA — Cornerback John Bowie hasn't practiced for almost three weeks. Wide receiver Arman Shields has missed more practice time than he has participated in. Cornerback DeAngelo Hall is practicing with an injured right hand.

Too often in practice, players are dropping passes, missing tackles, jumping offsides and doing things that make Raiders coach Lane Kiffin ponder, What if?

What if he had free rein to cut players he deemed unworthy of being on the 80-man roster? What if he had the latitude to bring in a steady stream of players as a means of pushing those already here? What if he wasn't compelled to watch the same mistakes almost on a daily basis?

"There's not very much competition on this field," Kiffin said after a lackluster practice Sunday. "Some guys have been released at other places, and people are picking them up. You'd like to pick up some of those guys and bring them in, because they've been in other camps, and push some of our guys.

"Unfortunately, there are some guys right now on our roster that are borderline guys that, as of today, would make it just because we don't have anybody else."

This isn't the first time Kiffin has bemoaned the fact that Raiders managing general partner Al Davis is slow, or at least hesitant, to address issues that Kiffin deems glaring and unacceptable.

Davis was unavailable for comment. However, Kiffin made it clear that this isn't his call.

"No, I'm not,"

Kiffin said, when asked if he is averse to making roster moves.

That puts it all on Davis.

"You've got to be willing to release people," Kiffin said. "When guys are in the training room, they're not out here practicing; you've got to be willing to release them and live with it, and pick other people up for more competition."

It's a battle Kiffin's predecessors have fought, too, with little success. Yet, unlike coaches of years past, Kiffin isn't content to accept what he deems detrimental to his fielding the best team possible.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/raiders/ci...?nclick_check=1

 

[Bri]

same article comments about Walker and receivers:

Walker on notice

Receiver Javon Walker didn't do much to distinguish himself in practice Sunday. This came one day after Kiffin criticized Walker for his poor play in Oakland's first two exhibition games.

Walker's disappointing play prompted a pre-practice meeting between Kiffin and Walker.

In short, Kiffin said, it's time for Walker to validate Oakland's decision to hand him a long-term contract that guarantees him $16 million. That means in Saturday night's exhibition game against the Arizona Cardinals.

"Yeah, I hope so," Kiffin said, when asked if he expected Walker to perform well Saturday. "I spoke with him (Sunday) morning about that, about this is a big game for him, even though it's a preseason game.

"It's Week 3, and he'll play more than he's played in the first two and in the fourth game we don't play our starters hardly at all so, it's a big week for him."

Walker wasn't the only receiver who struggled Friday night against the Tennessee Titans or in practice Sunday. Ronald Curry dropped two passes Sunday on one series.

"Yeah, some of the same old stuff," Kiffin said. "Inconsistency. Drops. We've got a long ways to go at that position. We need to get it figured out. We need to start playing better there so that we can have a complete offense."

 

[JGalligan]

Receiver Javon Walker didn't do much to distinguish himself in practice Sunday. This came one day after Kiffin criticized Walker for his poor play in Oakland's first two exhibition games.Walker's disappointing play prompted a pre-practice meeting between Kiffin and Walker.

Why did they do that again?

 

[Jerry Lawler]

Bold statements by Kiffin. I'm guessing he needs 7 wins just to keep his job this year, but his ability to make any kind of offense out of the Al Davis all-stars might just earn him a coordinator job with another franchise.

 

[Mr Capicollo]

Bold statements by Kiffin. I'm guessing he needs 7 wins just to keep his job this year, but his ability to make any kind of offense out of the Al Davis all-stars might just earn him a coordinator job with another franchise.

Kiffin should have resigned this past offseason. He's not getting to do what he wants to do as a coach, and by remaining he's helping the illusion that failure should be delivered to his feet rather than Davis'. It's not a job that any reputable coach would want at this point, and I don't think anyone would have blamed Kiffin for walking from it.

 

[dotman]

I think Kiffin would be a solid coach if he was actually in a decent situation. You just can't have an old senile man have free reign over an NFL franchise. It's not gonna work.

As for Walker, you can't expect anything from him this year. There hasn't been one good thing said about him. Maybe in a year somewhere else but even Randy Moss couldn't produce in Oakland. But they do have McFadden and with Russell's big arm you've got to think someone is going to have to haul in some bombs. Just not Walker.

 

[Rockchild]

I think this serves a couple of purposes. First, it shows he isn't just laying down and accepting his lot-he wants to win and wants other teams to know that. Secondly, it almost sounds like he wants to get fired. He didn't resign because he wouldn't have been paid out. If he's let go, he gets paid.

 

[gregjcross]

I think this serves a couple of purposes. First, it shows he isn't just laying down and accepting his lot-he wants to win and wants other teams to know that. Secondly, it almost sounds like he wants to get fired. He didn't resign because he wouldn't have been paid out. If he's let go, he gets paid.

HE wanted to fire the D coordinator, AL didnt let him. He knows its a joke.About Javon, believe it or not, i still think he can do something, but i wouldnt bet green money on it -maybe monopoly money.

 

[Bri]

I posted the Walker snip separate because it seemed like..and here's a working example of what he has to do.

I feel for Kiffin and wouldn't want to be in his shoes.

To play devil's advocate......to play devil's advocate:

I can sympathize with Al Davis a little bit. How long has he been in the game? How much has he won? Young coach telling me things might hurt my ego too, if I were him. I can see that. I don't see how them not agreeing makes this work at all, and I think that's the issue here.

A coach needs to say "see ya" to a "slacker". It's just a simple worker/employer relationship. Get the job done or find work elsewhere. It's gotta go thru the company that way. Davis is going to hold Kiffin accountable. He has to be able to hold his players accountable.

The Raiders have replaced players and we've seen some of their ineffective players be released. Some of Kiffin's cries fall on deaf ears here.

Just to look at a few

I think Al deserves some credit for the RB situation being pretty good this year. McFadden, Fargas, and Bush seems like a nice trio. He's tried to get a good RB stable with alot of backs since...well at least Napoleon Kaufman, probably back when Bo got hurt 20 years ago. Raiders always seem to have a new face in the backfield.

Porter wasn't all that was advertised and he's not there. He brought in Walker. Granted Walker is a headache but, Davis is working some here. How many sites thought Walker would do good a few months back? Drew Carter-how many liked him in Carolina and think he's worth a shot?

1(2?) safeties recently were supposed to be good but bombed. They're gone now.

The Raiders have had their share of player turnover. 1/2 that communication is on Kiffin. Maybe in year 1, he can be excused because he didn't present player X the right way so that Al would cut him. Now he's gotta know what makes Al tick. Al might think poor work ethic is Kiffin's fault and he'd better motivate the player. So then go at Al with, he doesn't get results on the field.

I don't like Kiffin (figuratively) throwing his arms up. Al's reputation precedes him. He knew this going into the job. He must figure out how to work with him.

 

[tombonneau]

... probably back when Bo got hurt 20 years ago ...

Wow. For some reason, that just made me feel really, really, really old.

 

[Bri]

... probably back when Bo got hurt 20 years ago ...

Wow. For some reason, that just made me feel really, really, really old.

sorry 'bout that Ever have an Apple IIC or commodore 64?

 

[greyone]

... probably back when Bo got hurt 20 years ago ...

Wow. For some reason, that just made me feel really, really, really old.

sorry 'bout that Ever have an Apple IIC or commodore 64?

1st off thanks for the heads up on Kiffin and ALD article. Al Davis is AL DAVIS. But you have to admit...the raiders are one of the worst run franchises in sports. Coming from a Raider fan i hate to say it. Kiffin did the right thing not quitting. He was sitting pretty at USC. Up-rooted his career and probably his family for Al Davis the Raiders and his aspiration to be in the Pros. Terrible to be torn down in less than a year or two. Can Kiffin return to USC? If so in what capacity? If not at USC or in the NFL...where? What about the domino effect of displacement from coaches, families. LIFE...LIVES...

Screw Al. I know he is trying. God Bless him. But follow through. You don't plant a seeds and not water, prune and harvest your crop .

Children grave discipline. The Raiders need a swift belting to get everyones attention. And i don't see it coming much like Lane Kiffin.

Side note.

OG Nintendo Gyromite, DuckHunt, OG Streetfighter II makes me feel old. Actually those things don't make me feel old. Playing Nintendo Wii and realizing how far video games have come and version 10 of Mario Kart or Version 30 of Super Mario Whatever or Madden 2080 makes my feel old. And im young!

Asking a girl her age and cringing when she says 18.....makes me feel....well thats depends...

 

[Bri]

... probably back when Bo got hurt 20 years ago ...

Wow. For some reason, that just made me feel really, really, really old.

sorry 'bout that Ever have an Apple IIC or commodore 64?

1st off thanks for the heads up on Kiffin and ALD article. Al Davis is AL DAVIS. But you have to admit...the raiders are one of the worst run franchises in sports. Coming from a Raider fan i hate to say it. Kiffin did the right thing not quitting. He was sitting pretty at USC. Up-rooted his career and probably his family for Al Davis the Raiders and his aspiration to be in the Pros. Terrible to be torn down in less than a year or two. Can Kiffin return to USC? If so in what capacity? If not at USC or in the NFL...where? What about the domino effect of displacement from coaches, families. LIFE...LIVES...

Screw Al. I know he is trying. God Bless him. But follow through. You don't plant a seeds and not water, prune and harvest your crop .

Children grave discipline. The Raiders need a swift belting to get everyones attention. And i don't see it coming much like Lane Kiffin.

Side note.

OG Nintendo Gyromite, DuckHunt, OG Streetfighter II makes me feel old. Actually those things don't make me feel old. Playing Nintendo Wii and realizing how far video games have come and version 10 of Mario Kart or Version 30 of Super Mario Whatever or Madden 2080 makes my feel old. And im young!

Asking a girl her age and cringing when she says 18.....makes me feel....well thats depends...

My opinion not playing devil's advocate-I think Al is trying too hard. It's late so I can't think of an example now but...when GMs are on their last legs they get a little desperate and make some moves almost just to make moves. You can usually tell because it's a bit

I find it hard to keep track of who the Raiders think is worth putting some time into developping, which is a Raider for life, and which are fill-ins. Further, I don't think Kiffin knows. I think that's a big problem.

I would have incorrectly guessed Fargas was a bust and they'd have moved on before 2007. Someone knew, someone saw that as the plan. I don't think you pass up the chance at McFadden and I do remember trade rumors for just about every top pick, so I think Al did OK taking McFadden. **Suppose** this is one thing that bugs Kiffin and he thought he had Fargas and Bush as their backs. Al's gotta communicate what's what. Kiffin's gotta respect a logical decision. He also has to understand it doesn't have to be right. For all we know, Fargas would get 1400 yards this year if McFadden weren't around or he'll leave next year and do great somewhere. That doesn't matter. He's got these RBs and he has to win with those.

I'm sure there's a ton(probably every one) of coaches and GMs that disagree on at least one player. They learn to co-exist. Kiffin has to.

I don't think that communication is there. I don't think it's there at all. I fault both of them for that.

If Kiffin can't cut a slacker, then that stinks and I feel for him. It shouldn't be that way.

I don't think he's out of options though-can he fine them? Make em' run laps all day til they quit or "get it together"? Make them do the same play over and over and over til they get it right? There also needs to be team leaders and assistant coaches too. They need to help get some guys in line as well. Lack of effort, lack of knowledge of the playbook, horrific execution are all unacceptable IMO. I don't think that falls on Al's shoulders. I think that's at the field level. Kiffin may need to show some teeth. That stuff doesn't happen with BB or BP or Gibbs or Cowher or Coughlin or....

The lesser quality players, welcome to the NFL Kiff. Try being an expansion team. He's gotta scheme to overcome it. Teams switch from 3-4 to 4-3 due to personnel. BB's been scheming with older slower players for a long time. Be wacky if ya have to-Go 4 or 5 wide on O. Run the option play. Run the wishbone. Use your Goalline O on every running play. Show me something, anything, that looks like you're not just throwing your arms up. Starting ineffective players in ineffective roles is bad coaching.

I'm waiting for Ryan to be the headcoach. I think he's got enough bark to him that it will be interesting to see him and Al go at it.

 

[JAA]

My guess is that it is Al's ego. First he has to let BMW go, then the Porter fiasco, now Walker? Not a Raider fan, but JaRussel needs to validate Davis's being before he offs himself.

 

[Cookiemonster]

I don't think he's out of options though-can he fine them? Make em' run laps all day til they quit or "get it together"? Make them do the same play over and over and over til they get it right? There also needs to be team leaders and assistant coaches too. They need to help get some guys in line as well. Lack of effort, lack of knowledge of the playbook, horrific execution are all unacceptable IMO. I don't think that falls on Al's shoulders. I think that's at the field level. Kiffin may need to show some teeth. That stuff doesn't happen with BB or BP or Gibbs or Cowher or Coughlin or.... I'm waiting for Ryan to be the headcoach. I think he's got enough bark to him that it will be interesting to see him and Al go at it.

Kid Kiff can't assert himself w/ these players. If I'm younger, bigger, bigger celebrity and make LOTS more $ than you do, you can't tell me ####. Especially if I were never that mature to begin with. If I'm Walker, and Kiff tells me to run laps for 2 hours, I tell him to pound sand. When he makes me inactive for week 1 to show me a lesson, I go talk w/ Pappa Davis and he makes everything all better.As for Ryan. I dunno. Maybe he does have some answers, but can't employ them 'cause Davis is stuck on his man-coverage, minimal blitzing defensive scheme that he has been stuck on for 30 years. Or he's inept and should be fired as Kiffin requested. Either way, you could say the same for Ryan. His units have underproduced for the amount of talent he's been handed. Why does he continue to get accolades? Don't tell me his defense has finished #? in '0? against the pass, 'cause until you've argued w/ some Raider fans regarding our defensive stats, and heard about how many times they've collapsed, or why their #s may look better on paper, it's very hard for a non-Raider fan to digest how disfunctional this team is on O, D and ST. Hell, A.Elling has far outshined SeaBass already, but the never-has-been 1st round pick, drunk-###, date-rapist will still have a roster spot and a huge paycheck as soon as he can stagger out onto the field. Who's call is that?

 

[Mr Capicollo]

Kiffin did the right thing not quitting. He was sitting pretty at USC. Up-rooted his career and probably his family for Al Davis the Raiders and his aspiration to be in the Pros. Terrible to be torn down in less than a year or two. Can Kiffin return to USC? If so in what capacity? If not at USC or in the NFL...where? What about the domino effect of displacement from coaches, families. LIFE...LIVES...

All of this may be true, but I still think that Kiffin's career will take more of a hit the longer he stays there. I do realize the game he's playing with the contract, and also the fact that he's got a family and other practical considerations, but there's a point at which he's being penny wise and pound foolish about this.He's not going back to USC. They've replaced him, and anyway he needs to stay on an NFL track now. He'd have to be an NFL assistant somewhere else, hopefully an offensive coordinator, once he left the Raiders.