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OLD Raiders thread (3 Viewers)

Ah yes, like the annual return of the swallows to Capistrano, an optimistic thread about the Raiders appears on the FBG message board. :goodposting:

Al Davis can continue to fire all the coaches he wants, but until he stops meddling to the game plans (highly unlikely) and starts drafting football players--instead of track stars--(even more unlikely) the Raduhs will continue to suck.

The first big clue will be if Russell is cut this off season. If he isn't it will be a very strong indication of Al's continued meddling and portend another double digit loss season in 2010. If that happens (I should say when that happens) and the Patriots have the Raduhs #1 draft, Al will have stooped to new level of ineptitude, as impossible as it sounds.

He needs to fire himself.

:D

 
If Cable is indeed let go, I'd be really interested in seeing what the new regime does with Michael Bush.

He's clearly the best RB they have, but was woefully underutilized due to Cable's regard for Fargas and the money tied up in McBadden.

 
Leroy Hoard said:
Find a real QB and you will take a giant step forward.
Click to expand...
:rolleyes: I wonder if the uncapped year will allow owners to dump bad contracts like JaMarcus's deal?Oaklnad has alot of young talent and seem to be a pain in everyones ### at the end of the year, go get a Vick or heck Billy Volek or someone that can actually play
 
There are rumors that Cable is on the chopping block because he DIDN'T start Russell the last few weeks, you know, when they won a few. This, to me, indicates that Davis will not be cutting JaMarcus in the offseason even if it is an uncapped year, hence no penalty. I would like to see a few other bloated contracts go as well if it is an uncapped season.

We need a starting QB. Frye and Gradkowski may have played OK, but they are not the answer. Though I have no ready-made FA that could do better. Our RBs are fine, our O-line is serviceable, The secondary is pretty good... The D-line needs help, and our WR aren't spectacular. We really are just a few key pieces from being competitive again.

 
I just read that Russell skipped the final team meeting yesterday for "personal reasons." He has to go, IMO.

Oakland has a pretty solid defense. I love both Bush and McFadden. Schillens looked solid when he got healthy towards the end of the year and Murphy looks like he can be very good as well. Miller is a stud TE.

That said, we shore up the O-line, get a solid #1 WR and a serviceable QB and I don't see why Oakland can't compete for the playoffs next year.

But it all has to start with getting rid of Russell. If we learned nothing this year, it was that we don't need a good QB to be competitive, we just need one that doesn't totally suck! Russell's mechanics and pocket presence are the worst I've ever seen. And that's saying a lot. Dude's gotta go for Oakland to have a shot at competing.

 
I've seen a few provocative mocks that have the Raiders taking a QB with their first pick. Knowing Al, Ryan Mallett appears to be the guy. He's a pocket passer with a massive arm. But he's still a bit raw.

 
The Raiders are in much better shape than the Lions. After the put Russell in the bench they showed they can compete.

 
How many GMs would survive the type of moves that Al Davis has made the past six years? Astonishing that there are still people who have hope under the current regime. :loco:

That said, here is my checklist of what the Raduhs must do to turn their fortunes around:

1. Cut Russell. Keeping him means a $9+ million cap hit. If he has really seen the light and is willing to compete the Raduhs can resign him to an incentive laden contract. He has lost fan base and,even more importantly, lost his teammate's support. It will also send a message that no one's job is secure. Football players perform best when faced with competition, and fear is a great motivator.

2. Focus on drafting big uglies. The Raduhs OLine is mediocre at best. Gallery is the only player with talent. Historically, the Raduhs have been successful only when they have had a very strong OLine. And if Al is going to continue to insist on running a vertical passing game the OLine needs to be a strength of the team.

3. Clear the roster. The mistakes the past 3 years like Javon Walker, Kelly, must go. Use some of the money to resign Seymour.

4. Let the coaches coach. This includes keeping Cable another year. Al continues to insist on certain schemes, particularly from the defensive side of the ball: man-to-man coverage with a four man rush, and very limited blitzing. This makes the Raduhs very predictable and explains why they give up so many points. [As an aside to those who do not believe this go back and read the comments from players after the Eagles win.]

If all four of these points happen then I could see the Raduhs being very competitive next year. If not, double digit losses again.

 
It will be interesting to see if they go after Mike Leach as head coach if they decide to fire Cable.

 
Monte hitting the nail on the head...

Raiders have long way to go before turning things around

THE RAIDERS stroll into winter clinging to a faith of mysterious origin, visualizing their ascent, believing recovery is near despite the numbers.

They believe, by and large, they are better than the 5-11 record they take into the offseason after a season-ending 21-13 loss to Baltimore Sunday at the sparsely populated Coliseum.

They believe, by and large, that head coach Tom Cable should be retained for the sake of continuity, never mind the record.

They also believe seven years of losing can be reversed by a few wise roster decisions in the coming months.

"Some tinkering and tweaking," said one veteran said.

"We're maybe five guys away from where we need to be," said another.

Both understate. This roster is at least a dozen players away from turning around a team that is 29-83 over the past seven seasons.

One of the fundamental truths about the NFL, that a team can be no better than its offensive line and secondary, has been altered in recent years. As passing has become more sophisticated and pass defense more restrictive, the quarterback has become an essential part of that dynamic.

In the absence of a transcendent defensive leader like Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, there is no winning without a quarterback who sets and maintains a high standard that crosses all areas of the team. He has to be able to manage the offense, if not consistently will it to victory.

Yet the lack of a Lewis-like presence or a legitimate franchise quarterback does not preclude the Raiders from improving in 2010. Whether it's Cable — should he somehow beat long odds, and there is no practical reason to believe he will — or a new head coach, there has to be significant movement within the roster and rededication among most of those who return.

We begin with JaMarcus Russell, who can make throws no other quarterback in the league can make. He also gives the ball away as well as anybody else.

Should he be given another chance to impress another head coach, as well as retain the loyalty of Raiders boss Al Davis, he should go straight to a personal trainer. Do not stop to party or eat and admire the image in the mirror.

Conditioning is the most basic part of a professional athlete's existence and JaMarcus has not devoted himself to it. If he can't do so now, there's no hope for him.

That brings us to rookie wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, drafted in the first round only because his talents were wildly overrated by Davis. There is nothing to indicate DHB will become an impact player, so the team's only chance to salvage the dude is with intensive instructional training. Start with the basics, like the use of hands to catch the ball and move on from there.

Good luck. It will be needed.

As for the other first-rounder drafted to revive the offense, running back Darren McFadden, it's evident he's not an every-down back; his body can't handle the demands. It's also evident his hands are his greatest asset, more impressive than his speed. A perceptive, creative coach will find more ways for him to catch passes than take handoffs.

Which would mean more of Michael Bush, the runner teams fear most. He had 123 carries this season. He should get at least 100 more in 2010.

And those carries should come behind a revamped line. Guard Robert Gallery aside, no one on the interior has reason to feel secure — certainly not penalty-prone tackle Cornell Green.

Oakland's only indispensables on defense are cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and defensive lineman Richard Seymour. Strong safety Tyvon Branch is promising and linebacker/defensive end Trevor Scott is the team's best pure pass rusher.

The other seven players on defense are, or should be, vulnerable.

Even as Davis dropped a lucrative deal on Tommy Kelly two years ago, shocked NFL insiders insisted the big tackle wasn't much of a run-stopping force. He hasn't been.

Linebackers Kirk Morrison (middle) and Thomas Howard (outside) are inconsistent and probably would be better in a 3-4 alignment. Neither is the thumper that worries opponents.

That Oakland's opponents rolled up nearly 2,500 yards on the ground — 240 on Sunday — is an indictment of the front seven.

It's time for evaluation. Honest, unflinching assessments. If accurate, they will prove the Raiders are not as close as they believe, perhaps because not enough of them are familiar with the concept of winning.
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Jerry McDonald: http://www.insidebayarea.com/sports/ci_14115892 <--- :thumbup:
 
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Actually, the Jerry McDonald article deserves to be posted in full...

McDonald: Al Davis deserves most of the blame for Raiders' losing ways

By Jerry McDonald

Oakland Tribune

As the uncertainty of another failed season circulated throughout the Raiders locker room, there were sincere requests for continuity, for staying the course with Tom Cable, and the belief that better days lie ahead.

Desperately seeking a final validation for the seventh consecutive season of double-digit losses, Cable even talked up the importance of win No. 6 _ a total that would have been sneered at when the topic was division titles and championships when Al Davis removed ``interim'' from his title last off-season.

Instead, there was a 21-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Two second-half turnovers from quarterback JaMarcus Russell after Charlie Frye left at halftime with a back strain. A defense which gave up 240 yards rushing overall and three touchdowns to Willis McGahee.

All before an announced crowd of 38,400 that looked more like 28,400.

So now begins the dissection of the coaching staff and the roster, the analysis of who stays and who goes, with the final decisions resting with the man ultimately responsible for all the problems.

Think about that for a minute.

The inescapable conclusion is that Al Davis is the man most responsible for the franchise being in such disrepair.

He's the only common denominator not only for the last seven years, but since a return to Oakland that has been a failed experiment judging from a history of three winning seasons in 15 years.

The Raiders have lost 33 more games in their second go-round in Oakland than they did the first time, yet still adorn their press releases with ``Team of the Decades'' and ``Commitment to Excellence.''

By order of Al Davis.

The Raiders have fired six coaches (Mike White, Joe Bugel, Bill Callahan, Norv Turner, Art Shell and Lane Kiffin), traded another (Jon Gruden) and could send Cable packing this week.

All since 1995.

By order of Al Davis.

The Raiders have too frequently failed to draft and develop their own top prospects into elite players. Russell, Darren McFadden and Darrius Heyward-Bey are all young enough to turn it around, but their early returns have been discouraging.

In the case of Russell, who Davis promised would be great, it's well beyond discouraging.

The Raiders don't have a director of college scouting in their media guide, but it's a role that belongs to Davis.

Too many times, the Raiders have made disastrous forays into free agency and the trade market, with acquisitions such as Randy Moss, DeAngelo Hall, Gibril Wilson and Javon Walker doing more harm than good, either because of the toxic environment or simply misjudging talent.

The Raiders don't have a director of pro personnel in their media guide, but it's a role that belongs to Davis.

As one of his former coaches lamented, ``He's the director of pro personnel, he's the director of college personnel, he's the general manager and he's the de-facto defensive coordinator.''

He's also not in good health and even Davis' ever-shrinking inner circle understands the man they have long worshipped either needs to accept some help or designate some to assume his myriad roles.

Some of the men closest to Davis made their way to a party thrown by Gruden last Dec. 14, and the Raiders response was to request that Ricky's Sports Lounge and Grill remove all photos from its Web site which had included people currently employed by the Raiders.

Thus, the message is that it's fine to reminisce and get caught up in the 1970s, but not the three-year run which Gruden helped ignite from 2000 through 2002.

For someone who has an aura so big, Davis can come off as very small.

John Madden didn't make it to the party that night, but he seemed to be of a like mind with most of the attendees based on a question and answer feature on Dec. 27 with the New York Post.

Question: Do you think Al Davis should hire a football czar?

Madden: ``I think he knows he should. When he had Bruce Allen and Jon Gruden, that was a pretty good team.''

It keeps coming back to Gruden and Allen because they're the only two people who, in conjunction with Davis, had the Raiders even remotely close to their storied past.

Allen is general manager of the Washington Redskins, Gruden is sticking with television for another year. And the biggest crime of all is Davis wouldn't ask, anyway.

The Raiders have the 31st-best record in the NFL over the past seven years at 29-83, one game better than the Detroit Lions. They're the first team in NFL history to have lost 11 or more games for seven consecutive seasons.

You'd think an owner with a passion for winning and an abiding love for all things silver and black would look to the person most responsible and take action. He's never tolerated that kind of performance from anyone else.

But that would take looking in the mirror.

Short of that, the annual blame game begins with Tom Cable.
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Wilson: Russell, Seymour miss Raiders team meeting

Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell was absent from the final team meeting of the year, an absence caused by "personal reasons," according to coach Tom Cable.

As it turned out, though, Oakland Tribune columnist Cam Inman discovered through a tip that Russell is a guest of the Palms hotel and casino in Las Vegas.

Wow.

Could Russell, who missed the meeting as well as defensive end Richard Seymour, have had a personal issue to deal with before he traveled to Vegas? Sure, that's possible. But it still looks bad.

And it shows that he isn't taking football as seriously as a former top overall draft pick with a gigantic contract should be.
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http://www.ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders/2010...ssell-in-vegas/ :lmao:

 
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Raider Nation said:
Tom Cable expected to be fired soon.We have a useless 300-lb. QB with a gigantic contract.Another Top-10 draft pick to select a guy who should go 25 spots lower.Fun times! :)
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Yeah, kinda blows to be a raider fan now huh? Nothing like when they were winning and you jumped on their bandwagon, boy those were the days :popcorn:
 
bicycle_seat_sniffer said:
Leroy Hoard said:
Find a real QB and you will take a giant step forward.
Click to expand...
:goodposting: I wonder if the uncapped year will allow owners to dump bad contracts like JaMarcus's deal?Oaklnad has alot of young talent and seem to be a pain in everyones ### at the end of the year, go get a Vick or heck Billy Volek or someone that can actually play
Click to expand...
In order to get a solid QB, Oakland is likely going to have to work a deal. Vick didnt sign with Oakland simply because he needed to get his reputation back on track. He could still not want to play in Oakland plus Philly I believe owns the option to keep him. Campbell or Hasselbeck could be cut but Campbell seems unlikely while Hasselbeck doesnt fit the system. Maybe Culpepper would be willing to come back or someone like Bulger, Leftwich, or Grossman will be available. None of them are much more than competition for Russell. Derek Anderson could end up being Oakland's best gamble. The opportunities just dont look good right now. Hopefully something changes.
 
BlackMagic10 said:
Surprised there hasn't been a mention of the latest Gannon story in Raiderland yet.

Check Jerry Mac's blog; http://www.ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders/

This organization is truly unbelievable.
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Saw this and immediately thought of an SNL skit from 80s where a corporate exec is being drilled and responds to the effect "we don't have a problem, maybe you have the problem". Al's like an addict with Russell - can't admit there's a problem.
 
From Jerry Mac's Q&A today (as much of a bum as Russell is, I can't believe this actually happened):

12:47 [Comment From NukeNuke: ]

I heard a rumor about Cable giving Russell a blank DVD on a gameplan at the bye and 2 days later when he asked Russell about the DVD Russell said it "Looked good Coach." Comments?

Tuesday January 19, 2010 12:47 Nuke

12:48 jerrymac:

There are various versions of the DVD rumor. And that's what it is. A rumor.

 
Ed Wood said:
From Jerry Mac's Q&A today (as much of a bum as Russell is, I can't believe this actually happened):12:47 [Comment From NukeNuke: ] I heard a rumor about Cable giving Russell a blank DVD on a gameplan at the bye and 2 days later when he asked Russell about the DVD Russell said it "Looked good Coach." Comments?Tuesday January 19, 2010 12:47 Nuke12:48 jerrymac: There are various versions of the DVD rumor. And that's what it is. A rumor.
Click to expand...
And yet he didnt bench Russell then. Even before, he knew there was a problem which is why he would have done this. Yet he allowed Russell to start week after week until late in the season. Russell obviously isnt a proffessional but its the coach's fault for rewarding the kid by starting him anyway and continueing to start him over and over. I realize that NFL teams are forced to give millions of dollars to such a rookie and it puts the team at a disadvantage. However the NFL still has plenty of coaches who will insist each and every young player earns his place in the starting lineup regardless of how much money he is making. Oakland made the decision to start Russell before training camp even began in 2009. Let that be a lesson learned the hard way so that they can move on and start winning again in 2010. There arent any Raider fans left who will be dissappointed if Russell never starts another game.
 
I think the Raiders are in better shape than the Lions..except for Russell.

After Russell was benched the Raiders were playing decent football.

 
Ed Wood said:
From Jerry Mac's Q&A today (as much of a bum as Russell is, I can't believe this actually happened):12:47 [Comment From NukeNuke: ] I heard a rumor about Cable giving Russell a blank DVD on a gameplan at the bye and 2 days later when he asked Russell about the DVD Russell said it "Looked good Coach." Comments?Tuesday January 19, 2010 12:47 Nuke12:48 jerrymac: There are various versions of the DVD rumor. And that's what it is. A rumor.
Click to expand...
If that's true, I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
 
Autumn Wind said:
Ed Wood said:
From Jerry Mac's Q&A today (as much of a bum as Russell is, I can't believe this actually happened):12:47 [Comment From NukeNuke: ] I heard a rumor about Cable giving Russell a blank DVD on a gameplan at the bye and 2 days later when he asked Russell about the DVD Russell said it "Looked good Coach." Comments?Tuesday January 19, 2010 12:47 Nuke12:48 jerrymac: There are various versions of the DVD rumor. And that's what it is. A rumor.
Click to expand...
If that's true, I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
Click to expand...
That is awesome. I so hope it is true.
 
No matter what has happened I have seen reason for optimism every offseason. However, if Russell is not cut I do not see any reason for it this offseason. It seems like Al is trying to find a guy that is willing to come in and work with Russell and the only guys that would probably be willing to do that are desperate coaches that will accept anything to be a head coach in the NFL. Very tough to be able to bring in a decent coach when he has no control over anything be it the roster, the draft, the coaches, or the weekly game plan.

 
ICON211 said:
It seems like Al is trying to find a guy that is willing to come in and work with Russell and the only guys that would probably be willing to do that are desperate coaches that will accept anything to be a head coach in the NFL. Very tough to be able to bring in a decent coach when he has no control over anything be it the roster, the draft, the coaches, or the weekly game plan.
Click to expand...
This.
 
ICON211 said:
No matter what has happened I have seen reason for optimism every offseason. However, if Russell is not cut I do not see any reason for it this offseason. It seems like Al is trying to find a guy that is willing to come in and work with Russell and the only guys that would probably be willing to do that are desperate coaches that will accept anything to be a head coach in the NFL. Very tough to be able to bring in a decent coach when he has no control over anything be it the roster, the draft, the coaches, or the weekly game plan.
Click to expand...
Without question. Al needs validation for picking Russell more than he needs air in his lungs, and the franchise will continue to be a laughingstock as long as he holds onto the illusion that Russell isn't a total PoS.The first interviewee who agrees to keep fatty as the starting QB will get the gig. They are supposed to be talking to Fassel today. Not a sexy hire, but he has coached a team in the Super Bowl and he's had success working with QBs.

 
I feel the Raiders are a talented team that is really held back by its QB, unfortunately t sounds like Russell is going to be the guy still, logic be damned, but I'm curious as to what Raider fans would give to have another QB.

If you were running the Raiders, what would give up for some of the guys who are rumored to be available?

McNabb

Vick

Campbell

Hasselbeck

Pennington

Bulger

Rosenfels

Clausen

Bradford

Tebow

Assuming all of those guys are available for the right price, what would be the most you'd feel the Raiders could/should give up for these guys. Or would you rather just see the job go with Gradkowski or Frye?

 
travdogg said:
I feel the Raiders are a talented team that is really held back by its QB, unfortunately t sounds like Russell is going to be the guy still, logic be damned, but I'm curious as to what Raider fans would give to have another QB. If you were running the Raiders, what would give up for some of the guys who are rumored to be available?McNabbVickCampbellHasselbeckPenningtonBulgerRosenfelsClausenBradfordTebowAssuming all of those guys are available for the right price, what would be the most you'd feel the Raiders could/should give up for these guys. Or would you rather just see the job go with Gradkowski or Frye?
Click to expand...
We, as Raider fans, just want ANYONE other than Russell to be the QB Week 1 next season. We saw this year that the team can at least be competitive with the likes of Charlie Frye and Bruce Gradkowski. They really do not have to give up anything to satisfy us as long as Russell is not the starter next year.
 
Nothing to add per se, just checking in. This is the best time of year to be a Raider fan, so I better enjoy it before preseason rolls around.

 
travdogg said:
I feel the Raiders are a talented team that is really held back by its QB, unfortunately t sounds like Russell is going to be the guy still, logic be damned, but I'm curious as to what Raider fans would give to have another QB. If you were running the Raiders, what would give up for some of the guys who are rumored to be available?McNabbVickCampbellHasselbeckPenningtonBulgerRosenfelsClausenBradfordTebowAssuming all of those guys are available for the right price, what would be the most you'd feel the Raiders could/should give up for these guys. Or would you rather just see the job go with Gradkowski or Frye?
Click to expand...
McNabb wont be available. Vick would be a huge upgrade but I think Campbell could be the best QB for this team IF he becomes available. Hasselbeck and Pennington do not fit our system. I have doubts about Bulger's ability but maybe. Rosenfels wouldnt be much of an upgrade over Gradkowski/Frye. I cant see another first round rookie (cant afford it as long as Russell is still on the team) but maybe we draft Tebow later if he's still available.
 
What I don't understand is the apathetic attitude of Raider fans towards its dysfunctional management.

This type of dysfunctionalilty, clearly hampering the results and product that is put on the field, would clearly not be tolerated in many NFL cities, yet it is perfectly condoned in Oakland. The Cleveland Browns fans demanded changes, threatened a walkout and changes were made to the organization.

Why no "coup d'etat"?

Boycotts. Stop wearing silver and black to the games until Davis sells the team. Start cheering for the opponent. Give Davis the Dan Devine treatment. Sign petitions. Sit ins. Demonstations. Whatever, but all we see year after year is Al in his wheelchair up in the booth and the guys in their Halloween costumes in the crowd.

 
Wilbur Wood said:
What I don't understand is the apathetic attitude of Raider fans towards its dysfunctional management.This type of dysfunctionalilty, clearly hampering the results and product that is put on the field, would clearly not be tolerated in many NFL cities, yet it is perfectly condoned in Oakland. The Cleveland Browns fans demanded changes, threatened a walkout and changes were made to the organization.Why no "coup d'etat"?Boycotts. Stop wearing silver and black to the games until Davis sells the team. Start cheering for the opponent. Give Davis the Dan Devine treatment. Sign petitions. Sit ins. Demonstations. Whatever, but all we see year after year is Al in his wheelchair up in the booth and the guys in their Halloween costumes in the crowd.
Click to expand...
:loco: A Jets fan would know a thing or two about inept owners. Most Raider fans would prefer to see Al take a step back, but he is also the person we have to thank most for the 'glory days'. Enjoy your two playoff wins and feel good about your franchise. I'm sure you were on all of the petitions during the 20+ seasons of having a losing record.
 
Wilbur Wood said:
What I don't understand is the apathetic attitude of Raider fans towards its dysfunctional management.This type of dysfunctionalilty, clearly hampering the results and product that is put on the field, would clearly not be tolerated in many NFL cities, yet it is perfectly condoned in Oakland. The Cleveland Browns fans demanded changes, threatened a walkout and changes were made to the organization.Why no "coup d'etat"?Boycotts. Stop wearing silver and black to the games until Davis sells the team. Start cheering for the opponent. Give Davis the Dan Devine treatment. Sign petitions. Sit ins. Demonstations. Whatever, but all we see year after year is Al in his wheelchair up in the booth and the guys in their Halloween costumes in the crowd.
Click to expand...
Apathetic attitute? Have you been paying attention for the last few years? There have been petitions and a billboard voicing displeasure. Al Davis will never sell the team nor should he if he does not want to. Please point out to me the last time an owner sold a team because fans were unhappy with him. And what kind of fan goes to games to cheer their team's opponent?
 
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