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Thoughts from the Dark Side
Oakland Raider analysis: Raiders and the new power (ranking) generation-Thoughts from a Reader’s Side
First off, I would like to apologize to you all for my own absence from TFDS. I have been dealing with some major stuff in my personal life, and haven’t really been able to focus. Rather than pound something out tonight, expect me to resume tomorrow, here that loved and hated denizen of the Dark Side, L-Dizzle, with his very own power rankings.
Raiders and The New Power (Ranking) Generation
By: LDizzle
Special to Thoughts from the Dark Side
So the power rankings came out on Monday and it appears that the “experts” are expecting more power outages in Oakland as evidence by the Raiders 27th ranking. Many fans probably put little stock in what the “experts” say about their beloved team. Simply because it won’t change that fans belief that their team has just as much of a shot as any other NFL franchise and in some cases a better shot. But like any other fan, I at least want to see the “experts” predict good things of the team I love. However, if that was high on my priority list I would not be a Raider fan. For the Raiders are the team that the analysts seem to love to hate and therefore will never get a positive light shined on them in the offseason (All save John Clayton). These power rankings are solid proof of that.
I will delve into the many reasons why ranking the Raiders 27th is a gross injustice for this squad in a minute but first let me complete this thought: Trey Wingo and his fake name (that sounds like a nickname given to the guy on the And1 mix-tape tour that can hit a shot from downtown) is now officially on the list of filthy haters. I have steadily grown tired of his little smirk and snarkie little comments over the past few months but watching a clip on ESPN.com right after the rankings came out convinced me of his illegitimate, invalid, hatred for the Raiders. The show was almost over and the guest analysts Darren Woodson and James Hasty had said their thoughts on the rankings without a mention of the Raiders and their ranking (albeit too low). And then after the analysis seems to be over, Wingo just throws in there something to the effect that the Raiders should be dead last in the rankings as they are the worst team in the NFL hands down and asks Woodson and Hasty if they agree. They tow the company line and agree that the Raiders are the worst team in the NFL and Hasty adds that they are the worst run organization. I think that ESPN may not have agreed with this assessment because I just went to look at that same video and the clip was cut short just before Wingo could spout his blatent discimination and hatred for the Raiders. If you look at the video now, it stops rather suddenly without a wrap up and THAT is why. Trey’s point of view leads me to believe that Mark Schlereth being the other main guy on NFL live is no accident. No ESPN analyst spouts more anti-Raider propaganda than Schlereth. As he would compulsively say: “No question”. Ok, now moving on to the the breakdown of the power rankings.
I can’t completely disagree with some of the rankings but there are a few teams that were put ahead of the Raiders that there is clearly some serious glaring problems with. Amazingly, they actually thought there were 5 teams that were worse than the Raiders. But my amazement aside, here are the rankings along with the evidence of their misplaced “power”:
(While the first ten are not quite in the order I would put them, they all deserve good rankings and hence will not be discussed here)
1. Patriots
2. Colts
3. Chargers
4. Cowboys
5. Jaguars
6. Giants
7. Steelers
8. Packers
9. Seahawks
10. Browns- Remember when I compared the Raiders to the Browns a few months back? Well I can see the Raiders having the kind of season that the Browns did last year but you can bet the Raiders won’t be ranked 10th in the following preseason. Browns are he lovable losers and the Raiders are the team everyone loves to hate. I just wanted to throw that in.
11. Vikings- this team had the #1 rushing attack in the league last year and failed to make the playoffs. AP faded down the stretch as well. I don’t see how they think anything will change with Tarvaris Jackson still behind center. Bernard Berrian will be more disgruntled than the unmentionable receiver and Jared Allen won’t put them over the hump all by himself.
12. Saints- This spot in contingent on last year being a fluke. I think it was and with some solid offseason moves including the recent addition of Jeremy Shockey they could prove just that.
13. Eagles
14. Titans- They will NEVER succeed with Captain Wonderlic at QB throwing into the first row on every pass. Exactly how long will they continue to overrate this guy?
15. Buccaneers- The defense is and will continue to slow down. The “If”s are too many and Gruden seems to think that quantity outweighs quality as evidenced by his stable of mediocre Qbs and Rbs. That seat getting warm enough Chucky?
16. Redskins
17. Cardinals- Come on! Cards get hyped every offseason and always disappoint. When are they going to stop predicting them playing in the top half of the NFL? (yes I know that technically 17th is in the bottom half but just by one)
18. Bills- They may be building the right way but they are a ways off. Much further away than the Raiders are. Both teams have a 2nd year QB. Oh, and their running back needs to stop running people over and then running away.
19. Texans- Look at the Texans getting some love. One year after their first season looking like an actual NFL team and they are the the sexy sleeper pick. You guys should know not to be so hasty. They have more building to do before they make any noise.
20. Panthers- The Panthers deserve better than this. They look like a solid squad. I am just sayin’.
21. Ravens- So let me get this straight. They went 5-11 last season, Ray Lewis and their defense is one year older, they have one good RB of whom is injury prone, they have a rookie out of a Div 2 school at quarterback and you think they will be better than the Raiders? The same Raiders that have a young and improving defense, THREE great running backs and a 2nd year #1 pick QB out of the SEC. And somehow the Ravens are 6 spots better than the Raiders? Sorry guys but I aint buyin’ it.
22. Broncos- So Apparently Brandon Marshall is less of a concern for the Broncos than Javon Walker is for the Raiders. Cutler seems to be a fine QB but he can’t do it himself. This team has nothing to speak of and is getting worse. There is nothing to even talk about. They will finish fighting for the cellar in the AFC West with KC.
23. Jets- So who is the QB? Raiders know the answer for their team. It is kind of an important position. One that a team shouldn’t be in the position of choosing the lesser of the evils. Oh yeah and Vilma is gone. The Jets are just bad.
24. Bengals- Prove that the defense can play of the field instead of the prison yard and then come see me. These are the new bad boys guys. At least the Raiders were the best when they were the criminals. So which is it?
25. Bears- See the Jets QB situation for your answer here. The Bears have plenty more falling to do and some serious rebuilding in the near future.
26. Rams- I personally think the Rams will have a resurgence this year with healthy players. Pace being the big (in more ways than one) piece to this. And Chris Long will certainly help. That D will still not be so good but the offense will make up for some of that.
27. Raiders- They signed many key players in the offseason, will have their superstar QB in the lineup all season after a year of learning the offense, have the best secondary in the league, two of the most ball hawking LB in the game, and have a very favorable schedule. Ask John Clayton what he thinks. I knew a long time ago that he is the only REAL expert that ESPN has on staff. He has the Raiders ranked 19th with possibility for more with solid play from some question mark players. I also have them ranked 19th but the schedule means that their record should be even better than that.
28. 49ers
29. Lions
30. Chiefs
31. Dolphins
32. Falcons
They got the last five pretty close to how I would have ranked them (although I think the Lions will be a bit better) but that does not excuse anything. Placing the Raiders just above the mess that is the Niners is inexcusable. And the Raiders are only even as high as 27th thanks to John Clayton, Jeremy Green and James Walker all ranking them 19th and offsetting the haters with mics and makeup. Just so you know; Matt Mosley was the lone “expert” that ranked the Raiders dead last. In the hater trash you go Matt. It is getting crowded in there these days. That usually means the Raiders are doing something right.
L-Dizzle is a regular contributer to Thoughts from the Dark Side. If you would like to contribute to a future edition of Thoughts from a Reader’s Side, please email me at mvnraider at yahoo.com
Thinking from the Reader’s Side here at TFDS
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29 Responses to “Oakland Raider analysis: Raiders and the new power (ranking) generation-Thoughts from a Reader’s Side”
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:36 am
[…] and the New Power (ranking) generation Thoughts from the Dark Side | MVN - an Oakland Raiders independent news, commentary, analysis, and m… First off, I would like to apologize to you all for my own absence from TFDS. I have been dealing […]
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:30 am
I dont know if the Eagles should be higher than the Redskins either.
As far as the Raiders. Id like to see them slide right in the ahead of the Ravens. We are at about the same rebuilding stage as both the Bills and Texans so we should be grouped with them. Any combo of the 3 would be fine by me. But like you said. Move the Rams up also and the Bucs down IMO. We come out around 20th.
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:48 am
LDizzle, man, I admire your tenacity as a Raider fan, I really do.
I have to say however, that your Vince Young hate is on Merrill Hoge level. When VY has receivers and a competent running back (no, LenDale doesn’t count, and Chris Johnson…really?) then we can actually start seeing some kind of improvement. I mean, if the dude is throwing to you, me and Rob, how can you expect any kind of greatness? Even I can see that with my Silver Tinted Glasses.
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:57 am
For someone who has Jamarcus Russel at QB, you are kinda of dickish about VInce Young. No offense, you just complained about people underrating the talent and ability on the Raiders and then proceed to bash Vince with a completely ridiculous.
Other than that, good article. I’ve got the Raiders penciled in as 8-8, and with a few breaks, I can see them making the playoffs. I think they go 4-2 in the division this year.
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:48 am
Vince Young- 21 TD, 30 INT QB rating of 69.0. Let’s not make him out to be Joe Montana just yet, people.
I thought I was just paranoid, I’m glad someone else sees it, too. SI is just as bad. Dr. Z has said that Ken Stabler will not be in the HOF while he is alive and voting. Harsh. Peter King is just as bad.
The SF media are a bunch of spoiled haters, too. They still pimp the “Kiff got fired” story and some even had the temerity to praise JaMarcus Russell for losing so much weight before camp after the 300 lb story was revealed to be utter crap.
I worry about Javon Walker. Other than that, I think the offense is worlds better than last season. I believe in Tommy Kelly. I believe we have the best secondary in the league. I think we’re going to put a hurting on KC and Denver this season and might even sneak up on SD once. 10-6 is not unreasonable.
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:40 am
With no receivers to speak of…which shows you missed the point, Spokane. Who exactly does Vince Young throw to? This is not like 2006 for us, where we had Randy Moss taking a dump, and Jerry Porter being useless (in other words, talent not living up to expectations), this is a situation where we have a quarterback that has literally nobodies to throw to, and we’re expecting what?
Surely can’t be serious, Vince Young is not good at the quarterback position when he’s leading that team with no receivers and no proven running backs? Put Vince in Oakland his rookie year, and we’ve got a half-decent offense to go with that D.
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:57 am
Lendale is a hell of a running back and Vince Young although not a great pocket qb he is a winner. But the hell w/ the Titans this is about the Raiders and I love the fact that they’re counting us out. It’s gonna make our return to glory all the more sweet knowing so many will hate to see the unconvential bad boys win OUR WAY. GO RAIDERS!!!
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:08 am
Lendale White is a pretty good running back actually… VY was good in college but…
The good thing about this ranking is it means nothing but I was hoping for a new article so thanks DIZ!
Should be fun to see this new team we have develop an identity and fill some holes over the next couple years.
Just Win Baby!
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:50 am
Myles how is VY anything like JRock? Because they are both black? Nice race asessment there buddy. The comparison ends there though. VY is known for his legs and Russell is known for his arm and acuracy. Russell is only mobile enough to avoid sacks. He is not a running QB like VY.
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:05 am
Vince ‘too dumb to tie his own shoes’ Young is not a great QB with or without good WR’s. He is a big version of Mike Vic. If he didn’t run MOST of the time, he’d have as many sacks as Andrew Walter and Aaron Brooks. You can’t blame his lousy ability to read defenses on the WR’s. Get over your overated selves and Vince Young.
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:55 am
I’m actully suprised that there are 5 teams ranked below us. These a holes are so blind I figured they would be in the bottom 3. Bagging on the Raiders seems to be the “in” thing among most NFL “experts”, it doesn’t suprise me that loser Wingo would get involved. He’s probably been trying to fit in since high school. His comments show that he’s just trying to be insightful with having absolutely no idea what he’s talking about.
I would put Rams, Panthers, Raiders 17-19 then go with the Cardinals, Bills and so on. It boggles my mind to think anyone could put the Bears and Jets ahead of us, but whatever. We’re getting there on paper, when we get it done on the field nobody will be able to deny us.
About Vince Young, he’s got alot to prove, good or bad. He’s played some good games and bad ones. He needs more talent around him, and he also needs to play better/smarter. I’ll have a better opinion on him after this year.
Good article Dizzle.
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:10 pm
good article l-dizzle.. yea wow typical ESPN for sure dude, they never give the raiders a break.. these power rankings are a joke, and yes i would say that 19 is a good ranking.. considering everything that’s already been said. the jets and ravens ahead of the raiders?.. haha wow that’s hilarious. good thing we play both of them this year, it’ll show that ESPN is continually full of shit.
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Good Article DIzzle, Those ESPN so called analyst have been horrible for years now, And im glad you pointed out the Clayton is the only true Analyst they have
July 23rd, 2008 at 3:09 pm
What did Trey Wingo say that was so wrong? The Raiders are absolutely the worst team in the NFL, hands down. And you Raider fans complain and cry like little babies about your #27 ranking? You think you should be ranked higher? How about trying that novel concept called, winning some games? Maybe if you actually defeat some opponents on the football field, you may actually move up in the rankings. You see, that is how it works when it comes to Power Rankings
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:06 pm
yes dumbass, LASTYEAR MAYBE … its an evaluation of this year’s team smart one, oh i forgot you’re the one that can’t even read haha!… that’s how its rated.. and its completely inaccurate, we have a lot more weapons.. of course you wouldnt know that because you have very little to backup your claims, typical lil raider hater kid.. all scared that the silver and black have somethin goin this year, its okay you’ll see soon enough… besides if rating it by the amount of wins from the previous year were the case… the jets were 4-12, how can they be ranked over the bengals and the bears? makes no sense kiddie… so do some research before making dumbass claims, you make yourself look like an idiot.
besides, you’re just pissed because you know the qweifs should be power ranked #32, because you already know the dolphins and the falcons will be worlds better than them, but you have croyle! WOW 0-6 as a starter… NICE
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Jackass Kushman, the Raiders are not going to be ranked any higher than #27 (which is way too high for them to be ranked) until they actually prove they can win some games on the field. Remember in 2005 when you fools signed Randy Moss and Lamont Jordan and how everyone thought the Raiders offense would be unstoppable? lol we all know how that turned out. You clowns have won 19 games in 5 years, you are by far the worst team in the league over the last 5 years, and you will be treated as such until you losers prove you can actually put some “W”’s in the win column. Keep whining and crying like a little baby about your #27 ranking Raider fans, you are obviously all too stupid to realize how generous of a ranking that is for you.
And why do you think I give a rats ass about the Chiefs? Who the hell cares if the Dolphins and Falcons will be better than them? The Dolphins and Falcons will be better than the Raiders, but that is another story…………
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:35 pm
haha yes that was then this is NOW. there’s a lot of talent on the team .. both sides of the ball.. and they were competitive in many games last year, and that was with very little good players and a shifty QB situation… dude you’re the one on here whining and crying on here dipshit … go cry somewhere else… and honestly i don’t believe they’ll make playoffs this year… too many question marks.. but i do know they’ll prove this power ranking wrong.. by beating the broncos twice, ravens, jets and possibly tampa bay.. mark my words lil raider hater.. cuz you’re about to be proven wrong.
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I always watch ESPN to fill up on my daily sports news, but always get upset when they trash our team. It seems that they just can’t stand us and would prefer it if we were out of the league. We can only get better from where we’re at but we always suck in their eyes. What a shame. I bet if we were the Cowboys though, or the Red Sox or Yankees, they’d assign us a peronal reporter. What also upsets me is that they talk non-stop about Pac-Man Jones because he’s in Dallas and they never talk about DeAngelo Hall who is a better corner. Now the worst thing ESPN says is that when players go to our team they enter the Witness Relocation Program… What’s up with that?
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:36 pm
chiefs fan or not whatever, thought you had said you were some other time.. regardless, you’re still another bitchass raider hater, just hoppin in that lame ass boat with all the rest that are scared the raiders are going to have a good season and hope for the future. you are determined that the raiders will be the last place team, yet in all your bullshit you have ZERO statements to back up your pathetic claims and no reasoning for your bashing, my guess is you mouthed off at a raider game and got your ass kicked, rightly deserved… if you are going to bash a team little child, at least know a little something about football. I’m probably wrong tho, if you ever went to a game you would be as quiet as a mouse because you have no balls. thanks kid have a nice evening.
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:35 pm
big john: yes ESPN is garbage bro.. a bunch of nobody’s and has beens … i mean by all rights, the raiders (al davis mainly) havent done anything inthe last 5 years. grant it, theyve been absolutely horrible in that time, having horrible luck at drafting.. unstable coaching and staff… just wretched. but this off season.. al has given his team the most attention since the ‘03 season.. all we’ve done is upgraded in positions… yes we were 4-12.. but as i’ve said .. they lost 8 games after leading in halftime.. LACK OF TALENT… and they’ve solved a lot of that this year.. so don’t let ESPN get you down bro.. keep the faith!
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Kushman you shouldn’t let The Filthy Whoresman get you worked up. All he ever does is come in here and do drive-by tantrums. When he says that the Raiders are ranked “Way higher than they should be” it is obvious. Really? “WAY higher”? As if there is much further they could have been ranked. WAY higher would require the Raiders to have been ranked at least ten spots from the bottom where he wishes they actually were. You see he only wishes the Raiders would get more disrespected. And so he chips in as much as he can. It is a sad little wish but in his small world, it may be all he has. But when a team shows promise, no amount of petty disrespect matters and that is why he gets so frustrated. So keep on coming in here Filthy Whoresman. Keep making “Thoughts From the Dark Side” the most viewed page on MVN. All of us here in the Raider Nation thank you for your support.
July 24th, 2008 at 3:23 am
[…] the ???experts??? are expecting more power outages in Oakland as evidence by the Raiders 27th …http://mvn.com/nfl-raiders/2008/07/23/oakland-raider-analysis-raiders-and-the-new-power-ranking-gene…NFL Power Rankings: May 2008 EditionNFL power Rankings: May 2008 Edition: The air is heavy with […]
July 24th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Hey fifth horseman why don’t you get off this site before the Raider Nation lops your head off and shoves it up your Raider hating ass! And another thing those guys on ESPN can kiss the Raider Nations Ass also, at least our owner wants to win a game and will do anything it takes. Even if that means spending over $150 Million Dollars to improve our team! Screw the critics Al is heading this ship in the right direction! GO RAIDERS!!
July 24th, 2008 at 10:38 am
i think the raiders go 3-3 in the divison this year….I think San Diego beats them twice this year….and Denver or KC beats them once this year…..but istill have them going 7-9 to 9-7 but i think they miss the playoffs but may make it in 09
July 24th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
thats bull….if we can just about hang with teams like the colts and the packers like last year.. we can contend with any team out there….. that will be proven… like someone said earlier.. we didnt even have the talent we have now…….
July 24th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
like i said… we are definite contenders with ANY team this year.. i dont care what u guys think….we can upset some ranked teams this year hands down!!!
July 24th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
the colts yes… the packers romped and stomped on us my man… i’d say go see for yourself.. but i beg you not too.. but we did have mcclown at qb in the blizzarding cold… who can forget j-russ on the sidelines completely covered up … not even showing his face it was so damn cold. but in any case you are most definetely right teo .. they have a shot with any team that they play … BUF NYJ ATL CAR MIA just to name a few… those should be wins… but as far as division games go, 3-3 isn’t entirely unrealistic.. just because division games are ALWAYS competitive.. now im not saying the raiders don’t have the upper hand over denver and kc … its just you have to take in consideration that for the most part.. it usually comes down to the last drive with division games in the AFC west.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:48 am
I think you bring up some great points. If you watch ESPN on Sundays the Raiders get the least play in highlights, even a few years back when we were dominating. As a life-long Raider fan I need to state the following; Russel is a BIG question mark for me. I just don’t think he is smart enough or has the hunger or work ethic to be great. Believe me I’m pulling for him! And I think with our running game it should help him.. My fellow Raider fans keep an eye on him. If I am wrong the playoffs are a lock though!! Lets hope i am wrong!!
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