August 25, 2008
Many Raiders sent the wrong message against Cardinals
The Raiders need to improve if they want to be an elite team
While sending my kid off to college this weekend, I realized that the Raiders marketing department is deficient when it comes to getting the games televised in Northern California. There I was, nearly four hours away from the Oakland Coliseum and the only NFL game on in the area was Pittsburgh at Minnesota!
I already knew that the Raiders had no clue when it comes to radio since their home station in the Bay Area is a political talk radio station, leaving all Bay Area sports talk to the 49ers on two sports signals, but they can't even cover all of Northern California on TV? Their marketing department isn't the only group of Raiders failing the motto 'Commitment to Excellence,' their broadcast could be better in the technical area as well.
A couple of the interviews were drowned out by noise, and who's in charge of the freakin' scoreboard that covers the top of the screen? Give me a break! I could put a better scoreboard in place that wouldn't block the view of the play using Windows Millennium and a 500 Mhz PC! Now that I'm done ranting on the coverage, let's talk about the guys REALLY responsible for wins and losses.
Oren O'Neal has a career threatening injury that he suffered on the first play of the game, the kickoff. According to Kiffin, "it was as bad as it can get." Jerry McDonald is reporting that the injury "went beyond a simple ACL tear and had other problems." Drew Carter ended his season about a minute later on a catch and tackle that looked benign. I didn't see any Cardinals slipping on the field, but many Raiders seemed to have trouble keeping their grip on the ground.
I've noticed this happening since the Raiders moved back to Oakland, they never have the right cleats...or so it seems. I'm not an expert in the field of 'equipment managing,' but I'd like to know why the Raiders have the toughest time on their own field. So, if someone can tell me why, I'm all ears...or eyes, whichever the case may be.
Losing O'Neal and Carter are big losses, but losing O'Neal for his career would be another instance of real bad luck for the Raiders. Let's all wish these guys the best and if you do pray, send them one or two prayers because both of them will probably need it.
Speaking of equipment, does anyone know what that sharks fin was sticking out of Russell's back during the game? I didn't see any of the other QB's with that lump, so I don't think that it was the radio receiving device.
Lane Kiffin - I think that he's made huge strides with this team. Frankly, I like the fact that he wasn't trying to just put points on the board in order to be competitive. By my count, the Raiders won the first half 9-3. If you want to get finicky, then you could say that they won 6-3 and that the long field goal would've missed.
Rob Ryan - Although I was a little skeptical of his play calling in the first half, I really began to question his motives in the second half. There were some bad play calls, like J.J. Arrington's long run for a touchdown. I wanted to call players out for that play, but it was if the Raiders defense just lined up straight across the field in a line. Maybe it was the right play to call on second and six to only have one guy stay back on the play, but the X's and O's didn't look right and if it's because someone missed their assignment, I couldn't tell.QB's
JaMarcus Russell - Is everyone convinced that he's the real deal? I am, but I'm not saying that he's Peyton Manning or Brett Favre...yet. He seems to have Favre's demeanor and Manning's composure. He doesn't yell at guys or get upset when a play doesn't go right, a Favre trait, but he does keep the play in front of him and frustrate defenders like Manning. If the Raiders can somehow protect him, he's special. I would like to see him be more consistent with his accuracy though. He can throw a perfect ball one play and then throw one off the field the next with an open man, but hey nobody's perfect.
Andrew Walter - He played well, but didn't get too much of an opportunity. Both long throws he had were very catchable, but weren't. Going into the season with him as the backup could be much worse for the Raiders.
RB's
Justin Fargas - Didn't play much and didn't get enough chances to warrant praise or concern. From what we've already seen from him, he's the undisputed starter at his position right now.
Darren McFadden - He's good and I like him, so don't get me wrong when I say that he's not an NFL starter right now. He's a rookie, so it's understandable that he's thinking too much still and that's causing him to play slower than he is. He'll get better, remember that Adrian Peterson was the backup for the first half of 2007. He did well in the game, only missing a minor block on a play that I could see.
Michael Bush - I liked what I saw from Bush on special teams and when he got the opportunity to run and catch. There was a point in the game that I thought to myself, "That guy has to wonder what might have been had he not broken his leg in college. He would've been someone's feature back by now and here he's relegated to short yardage back and special teams." It's good for the Raiders, too bad for him. For what it's worth, I think the Raiders are using him where he should be.
Justin Griffith - The O'Neal injury will hurt the Raiders. Griffith isn't a bad fullback, but he's not a natural one like O'Neal. For the game, I attributed a sack, a hurry, and a stuff of McFadden to missed or poor blocking on his part. Hopefully, this is just because it's still the preseason.
Marcel Reece - With O'Neal out, possibly for good, Reece now has the upperhand on making a roster spot. He played well in the game, but his blocking wasn't tested. From some sources, that is something he really needs to work on.
WR's
Javon Walker - He was able to get open, he made catches, and he started to look like the $55 million the Raiders invested in him. He still missed a catch, but he did look much better.
Ronald Curry - His missed catch in the end zone, was a tough catch, but one that Curry can make. His inability to make catches this preseason coupled with his hands last season have me worried that he will not be a go-to guy. Hopefully, when the season starts, he can't drop anything. He did have one great grab in the second quarter.
Todd Watkins - With Carter gone for the season, he's now the number three guy. Let's just hope that he plays as well during the regular season as he has the preseason.
Johnnie Lee Higgins - His returns were very conservative, but that's fine as long as he's not making plays for the other team. He seemed to do well on the receiving end as well.
Chaz Schilens - Didn't see much of him, but he didn't look bad when he was in. Under James Lofton's tutelidge, you can bet that he's going to get better.
TE's
Zach Miller - Can't say enough about how good he is. He makes the tough catches and he doesn't slack off when he blocks. The Raiders need him because they don't have anyone else like him.
John Madsen - I've been a big supporter of Madsen since he became a Raider, but he hasn't looked very good during the preseason. He continues to drop catchable balls, and the Raiders need him to be sure handed. It makes me wonder if he and Ronald Curry are working out together in the offseason.
OL
Robert Gallery - For all of the complaints about Gallery, there wasn't one on Saturday night. Of all of the lineman, he was by far the best on the field. It's true what they say about lineman, "You only notice them when they screw up," and Gallery went unnoticed during the Cardinals game.
Jake Grove - He started at center, and he showed that he's ready to be an NFL starting center. The only play that I saw from him that I wasn't thrilled with was a screen pass gone bad. He released way too early on the play and didn't set the screen up right, but other than that he was pretty good.
Kwame Harris - From playing well against the Titans to being average against the Cardinals, it's safe to be worried about Russell's blind side again. Tom Cable definitely has more work to do with Harris. There were a few plays that he showed poor technique and others where he did a fine job. If he can play at a consistenly high level, the left side of the line will be set this season.
Cooper Carlisle - I'm not sure what to think after seeing him play Saturday night. I don't know if there is any worry there or if we should just chalk it up as a bad game. As far as bad games go, that was a pretty bad one for him. He did so many things wrong, I just can't detail it all in this space, but let's just say that I was hoping that they'd take him out of the game.
Cornell Green - Illegal formations, missed assignments, missed blocks, and overall poor play. Somebody needs to bring in more competition for the right tackle spot. He's horrible on bad days and average on good ones. There's a reason that he never really started until he became a Raider and he showed plenty of those reasons against the Cardinals. His butt should still be sore on Monday, because it was kicked pretty good Saturday night.
No other offensive lineman really stood out to me, good or bad. Mario Henderson wasn't given many opportunities to kill Andrew Walter and the rest of the line seemed to have trouble blocking for the run, but nothing so aggregious that I could call them out.
DL
Tommy Kelly - For the most part, it was a quiet game for Kelly. He was getting double-teamed often and he was still pretty good against the run. Although, Warren was singled out for batting down a ball thrown by Leinart, it was actually Kelly fighting off two offensive linemen and getting his big paw up to knock it down. I think that he's primed to show the rest of the NFL why Davis paid him this offseason. Another interesting thing was that Kelly played end when the Raiders played a 3-4.
Gerrard Warren - Warren played well. He was often seen putting pressure in the backfield, but he needs to get off of blockers a little more frequently. Against the run, he was solid in the first half.
Jay Richardson - He may be the best run defender on the Raiders line. He's hard to stop when they hand it off to the running back, but I couldn't help but notice that he would often get stood up against the pass. I'd like to see a better pass rush for him and I didn't see that in this game. He had one great rush where he should've had a sack on Leinart only to completely miss the tackle.
Derrick Burgess - He had a rough time rushing the passer. He got some pressure, but often was seen rushing around the quarter back. He's gotten much better at stopping the run, but there were a couple of times that he got pinned and didn't seal off his side.
Kalimba Edwards - The Raiders lined him up on the end and at linebacker. On one play, he was playing the middle linebacker role which was very odd to see. I had to rerun the play several times to make sure that I was looking at the right number and I was. He's poor against the run, but he was the only remarkable pass rusher on the day with a great sack and several good hurries.
Trevor Scott - He rushed the passer fairly well, getting pressure on the quarter back, but he needs to improve on the run.
Terdell Sands - Fairly quiet day for him, but I think that he can be a difference maker. There were several plays that he looked really good on, especially the play where he blew up a run in the backfield.
Greg Spires - He looked good against the run, but when the Cardinals went back to pass he looked old and unable to make any sort of difference.
The most troubling thing about the Raiders defensive line was that they were in the game when the Cardinals ran the ball up the field and scored their first touchdown. It was shades of 2007 during that drive and the rest of the second half.
LB's
Thomas Howard - Disappointing day for Howard. He didn't have any problems covering the pass when he had to, but he overran several running plays and got stuck behind blockers too many times that the coaching staff should be a little worried about it.
Kirk Morrison - See Thomas Howard. Don't let the number of yards the Cardinals had in the first half fool you. If Leinart wasn't so embarrassing and the Cardinals were playing regular season ball, they would've run more and been successful doing it.
Ricky Brown - I expected to see the Cardinals' running game cease when he replaced Thomas, but they only ran better. The strong side linebacker spot and the backup middle linebacker spot should be up for grabs after this game. He just didn't play very well.
Robert Thomas - It wasn't just the Cardinals game that led me to this assessment of Thomas, but the whole preseason. I just don't think that he's an NFL starter. He's a good backup player and a role player, but he shouldn't be starting for the Raiders.
There wasn't really anyone else to single out. This unit as a whole laid a big egg on Saturday night. It could've been playcalling or it could've been missed assignments or poor technique. Whatever it was, the Raiders need to fix it fast with only two weeks before the regular season starts.
DB's
Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall - If these guys play a full season, the Raiders have the best cornerback tandem in the league. Nothing else needs to be said about these guys.
Gibril Wilson - He's playing great. He needs to make a few adjustments on a few of his gambles that he lost, but I like what I'm seeing so far from him.
Michael Huff - He finally got an interception this preseason and it was a great one. He did exactly what he was supposed to do and even though his pick was on a bad pass, that's exactly what he should do with those. He's finally looking like the seventh overall pick of a draft.
Rashad Baker - He left the game with an injury, but I haven't been able to find that it was anything significant. While he was in, he made a great hit, got an interception, and broke up a pass. He looked good at the safety position.
Stanford Routt - He got an easy interception, but it was easy because he blanketed his man so well. There were times while he was covering during the game that I thought he looked quite a bit like Asomugha. He may not be the best nickle corner, but he is by far one of the better backup corners the Raiders have had in a while.
Jarrod Cooper - He played better towards the end of the game, but he didn't play well overall. On one play, with the Cardinals driving on the Raiders, he completely missed a tackle letting what would've been a five yard run go for 20. He's so good at special teams, that his safety play may not matter, but he'd better start playing better with cuts on the way.
Tyvon Branch - Somebody needs to teach this guy how to tackle. Not only does he try to tackle with his hands and his head, his form at times is so bad that he may actually hurt himself. On one Cardinals score, he ducked his head while still standing upright. For those of you that don't know, the Bills had a tight end try and tackle/block that way last year and he ended up breaking his kneck and getting partially paralyzed for a time. I'm sure that someone will say something to him about it.
Michael Waddell - Why is this guy on the team?
Chris Johnson - The way things look, Johnson is the fourth best cornerback on the team. He needs to pull a Rocky 2, buy some chicken wire, build a 10'x10' pen, fill it with mud, and chase a chicken around there until he can catch it because even though he's one of the fastest players on the team, he's always a half step behind his man. With that being said, he still looked good against the Cardinals.
Nick Sanchez - In for only a handful of plays, he made one by breaking up a pass and was in on another. I like this kid and I think that the Raiders should keep him around after they cut Waddell.
Don't mistake the many negative analysis on the players as an indictment of the team, they aren't. I still think that the Raiders will be a good team, but good teams have depth at every position and with the injury bug already in full force in Oakland, it's time to cut as much of the fat on the team they can and bring some more players in to compete.
While some players sent a message with their play that they want to be on the team, others sent the completely oposite. August 26th will tell us who the coaching staff listened to.
Discussion
36 Comments on "Many Raiders sent the wrong message against Cardinals"
#1
Posted by Bill, August 25, 2008 12:59 AM
Hey Rob, Just a heads up, I seen this same story word for word on the CBS Sportsline message board under the name 1Raiderfan.
#2
Posted by pdxjoe, August 25, 2008 7:33 AM
I'm alright with the way they played for the most part considering Kiffin did state he was gonna "air it out". I think Russel will be ok downfield as a blocker for long runs...
#3
Posted by SpokaneOakfan, August 25, 2008 7:35 AM
Am I the only one seeing that the Cardinals need a hometown boy to groom for the starting spot when Warner retires and the raiders need a WR to come in right away? Throw in a 2nd or third pick and this deal does itself. I would be content with Russell, Tuiasosopo and Jeff Otis or Erik Myer as the depth chart and Boldin, Walker and Curry 3 wide.
Sucks that O'Neal went down. Hopefully he gets back there soon. The Raiders' backfield could have been like the Navajo codetalkers of old with three country dudes just drawling out the plays.
I liked the gamesmanship from Kiff. Screw winning the preseason game, can Russell run a two minute drill? I think he was also trying to show Al that this is a running team. Good for him. Some Donc idiots were crowing on another site about this game, but I think we'll pass 19 runs sometime in the first quarter en route to whoopin' that particular ass.
#4
Posted by Jamaal, August 25, 2008 8:48 AM
Very good assessment of the team Rob.I especially love your critique of Ricky Brown. Classic 2 steps forward and 1 step back for Robert Thomas too. Also, I think we should go out and pick up Koren Robinson. He hasn't been in trouble for a while and he's a good wr. Also he was a good kick returner from what I remember so that instantly brings competition to two of our most important needs right now. Just food for thought.
Raider Out.
#5
Posted by Bill, August 25, 2008 9:23 AM
Rob, your assesments and player knowledge are awsome. You know I have to debate a little bit or there would be no point in me posting these comments. For this article I have nothing to debate with you. I would like to add on to some of your thoughts. J Russell, are you kidding me? This guy can throw the ball! We have to remember this guy is pretty much a rookie. He looked like a three year starter getting ready to bust out in this game. I'm still in shock at how well he can throw the ball. The Raiders finally have a Player at the QB position. I also have always wanted Madsen to stick and have been wondering what is wrong with this guy this year? Harris was getting schooled in pass protection every time I looked at the left side. Griffin was getting run over too. Both Coopers had a horrible game. I think that the OT situation is going to be hard to fix, but we should be able to find a guard or two at least for a back up. Routt has always looked better on the out side then he dose on the inside. I think there should be some plays where we move Hall to the slot and Routt to the outside just to show a diffrent look. All in all I'm not concerned about this PRESEASON GAME at all. I think our biggest problem is the WRs and if Walker steps up then that is solved. I still think this team can/will make the playoffs.
#6
Posted by Bill, August 25, 2008 9:33 AM
Hey Spokane, I would be thrilled to trade Walter for Boldin. I have always liked Walter even when he played at AZ. When we drafted him I was thinking he would be our starter by now. I have also wanted the Raiders to hold on to him just in case Russell did not work out. I'm a beliver now that Russell is the man. We should let Andrew go some where he can start. The guy has the talent just not the oppertunity.
Jamaal, You also bring up a great point about Robinson. This guy has been sitting on his couch waiting for an offer. How much will it take to get the guy to camp, I'm betting not much. I really think we need to watch who the NY Giants cut at WR. They are going to end up cutting one or two good ones. They are stacked at the position.
#7
Posted by S&B, August 25, 2008 9:34 AM
Spokane---Thinking and hoping for the same thing. Throw in Bush, Walter and a number 1....wishfull thinking as a trade won't happen and isn't realistic given our salary cap.
Still concerned about the run defense. Morrison and Howard have to step up. Raiders should also be looking at a linebacker on the wire....I am not sold on Ricky Brown and Robert Thomas.
I am afraid that our Offensive Tackles are going to disappoint. Is there anyone out there that we can bring in? How can the Raiders not address the O-Line.
Also, if we think we can run the ball consistently in the face of 8-man fronts....we are going to lose. The offense has to be at least competant in throwing the ball.....
#8
Posted by Bill, August 25, 2008 10:20 AM
S&B, I've been preaching for about two months that the Raiders need to bring in OTs Fred Miller and Jordan Black. Both have started in this league and Miller has a SB ring. Other then that as of now there is no OTs out there that can start. Lets just see what the Raiders do over the next two weeks. They still need some compitition at WR, OL, and LB. But the Raiders are not in that bad of a spot.
#9
Posted by Rob Calonge, August 25, 2008 11:52 AM
Great posts so far! Thanks for stopping by and giving the props.
I figured that I'd chime in on this discussion. I really like all of your points, but I have to be honest. I could care less who the Raiders bring in, just as long as they get rid of the dead weight because right now, that's a noose around the neck of the team.
I don't care if they can't run a 4.3 40-yard dash, if they play like a 4.3 guy in pads bring them in. Right now, there are too many scholarship players taking up slots.
#11
Posted by LDizzle, August 25, 2008 1:29 PM
SpokaneOakFan: THAT is a great thought. To send Walter to the Cards in a trade would be great for all parties involved. They need someone to compete for their QB of the future and no doubt they have something we could use. If we don't trade Walter now, he will be a free agent after this season and we will lose him for nothing. And hey, McCown may be cut in Miami so we could always sign him back to back up Russell.
I HATE the idea of trading Bush. Everyone seems to think that is such a great idea but he will be a great player so either we keep him for good or we at least keep him until he proves how good he is and then his value will be a lot higher. Trading him now would not be smart.
#12
Posted by LDizzle, August 25, 2008 1:33 PM
S&B: Jesus Christ man, what you are suggesting we give up for another overpriced receiver (of whom we can't afford anyway but I will humor you) is WAY too much. Walter, Bush, and a first rounder? Are you high? We could get him for Walter and a mid to low round pick and anything more would be just stupid.
#13
Posted by azraider37, August 25, 2008 2:06 PM
We despertly need to bring in another receiver. I forgot about Robinson, that would be a smart move because we could probably afford him. That Walter deal would be great, but we would still have to pay Boldin. He is complaining in AZ because he wants more money. We need help at WR but we already have one grossly overpaid WR. It's just a shame because I think Boldin is much better than Walker.
I did not know that those OT's that Bill was talking about were available, what the heck are we doing. We need to bring in all the OL we can, the OL line we have will be why our offence struggles.
#14
Posted by SpokaneOakfan, August 25, 2008 2:16 PM
Boldin might be cost prohibitive. I would hold off on Koren Robinson unless he can prove that he can both catch the ball and quit drinking and driving. I've heard Joe Horn, too, but dude's like 90.
#15
Posted by S&B, August 25, 2008 2:45 PM
Bill, If those OTs are out there, the Raiders need to at least bring one of them in. As we all know, we have "NO" depth at that position.
LDizzle, I personally would do the deal (Walter, Bush and a number 1) for (Boldin and I would add a number 2 after thinking about it) and here is why:
1. We need a very good WR and Boldin is very good and young. A guy like him would make defenses pay attention. That would accentuate our offense. Walker and Curry is not going to make Defensive Coordinator lose sleep. (Unless Walker steps up!)
2. Good WRs are hard to find
3. As you said, Walter is going to be a free-agent
4. Bush is not going to get that many carries for us with McFadden and Fargus. How many? Maybe 3-5 touches a game. So his value to us isn't as high as many think it is. Plus Rankin or the Echimobe could fill in as a number 3 back. AZ could groom him to be the full-time back he probably is
5. Assuming that we probably finish somewhere in 6-10 to 8-8 with our current holes at WR and OL, that means a high draft pick. Can the Raiders afford another high round draft pick after signing Gallery, Huff, Russell and McFadden. Not to mention that Morrison will probably be coming up for money soon.
#16
Posted by The Fifth Horseman, August 25, 2008 3:21 PM
The Raiders will be making history in 2008! They will be making history by being the first ever NFL team to finish six straight seasons with double digit losses. And the Fifth Horseman will be here week in and week out, every step of the way, cheering the Raiders into the history books! Go Raiders!! mwahahahahahahahahaha
#17
Posted by Hit, Tackle & Swarm...REM., August 25, 2008 3:45 PM
Oh Boy!...They really looked awful in the passing game and it was not anyone inpaticular it was everyone...Key losses early with injuries and nobody to do anything about it on the bench...Right now there should be no question we need more talent...No more room for money hungry scrubs...I don't blame Mr. Davis for not being quick to throw is money away because thats exactly what he did counting on players whom want to look good on the sidelines and not show anything on the field and that goes for half the offense we got...Right now if anything we need is another tight end like Miller whom will block aswell as catch whats thrown his way, maybe two tight ends will help with the running attack because relying on JR throwing often will cost us the season before it even starts...We surely stink...Defense look pretty damn good but after awhile they just got tired so hang in there defense and maybe we might get lucky with someone to show himself before the season opener.
#18
Posted by The Fifth Horseman, August 25, 2008 5:09 PM
by the way, how is that Randy Moss trade working out for the Raiders now? How is John Bowie going to do this season? mwahahahahahahahahaha
#19
Posted by Big John, August 25, 2008 6:01 PM
Well, I like the trade for Boldin but as LDizzle said it should just be Walter and a weak pick, not Bush. The thing is that we probably can't afford him. But we do have crazy old man Davis, who knows what crazy get-wins-quick scheme he has up his sleeve. Haha. I think we'll make some noise via transactions some time soon. By the way, the score didn't look pretty but in a regular season game, we woulda had points up with Sea-Bass kicking. I'm still not really worried but our chances will get better if we upgrade the roster.
And Rob-
The Raider broadcasting sucks in the Monterey Bay area where I live too. I've e-mailed the Raiders website that they need to find a way to broadcast games out here too. So they really don't know what they're doing over there...
#20
Posted by Rebel2124, August 25, 2008 6:09 PM
Great article!!! I in no way could possibly agree more. It's what I've been thinking and saying all along about our LB's and OL. We didn't do enough in these areas in the offseason.
Whats the word on McQuistan? He has to be better than Cornell Green. Have they tried Henderson at RG? Would we be better as a unit playing Wade at center and Grove at RG?
There is no shuffling at LB to be done! We just don't have the talent on the team to stop the run at this position. We need to bring in every player we can and give them a look. How many times must I say it? We play in the AFC west and face two of the premier backs in the league four times a season. LB should have been one of our top priorities. I'm looking funny at Martindale right about now too. We've got to take action right now at LB.
Peace.
#21
Posted by LDizzle, August 25, 2008 6:34 PM
There is way too much "woe is us" going on about the Raiders right now. We should all take a deep breath and remember a few simple things:
1. The Dolphins just beat the Jaguars 24-0
2. This is the preseason
3. Kiffin told everyone with a TV that the Raiders were going to be focusing on passing, taking all the mystery out of the offense.
4. The Cardinals had a grand total of 3 points at halftime.
5. Add up the missed field goal by our stand-in kicker, the choice not to kick a field goal to work on our goal line offense, and the Zach Miller TD that was blown by the refs and the Raiders would have been up 13-3 at half.
6.This is the preseason.
7. The haters are still out in force, so we must be doing something right to scare them out of their moms basement.
#22
Posted by Thoughts from the Dark Side: Many Raiders sent the wrong message against Cardinals | The RaiderCast, August 25, 2008 6:43 PM
[...] Read more. Posted in Commentary, Oakland Raiders | [...]
#23
Posted by Raider Blues, August 25, 2008 9:59 PM
I'm with the Diz-man on this. We win and it's hey is the preseason and we lose and it's like we suck.
Look Lane is doing his thing and he's demostrated he wants to run the ball. He's went to great lengths now to demonstrate we can run but really have a difficult time passing thus justifying his stance he wants to run the ball.
Try Bush as FB. Maybe, you never know. Develop the hybrid of Bush, Fargas and DMac in a split out role. A role recognizing we can't pass-block. A role showing we can run and misdirection is our friend. Throw Chaz the ball and Javon if he keeps 4/60 up.
This should've been the plan when we drafted the guy#4 knowing what we knew. We really are in the same spot we were, now play the cards you're dealt Lane. A misdirection and a TE who is a really good receiver is the way to go.
Just Win Baby!
#24
Posted by KUSHMAN, August 25, 2008 10:24 PM
haha yea that sums it up dude.. also.. the patriots are 0-3 (i know w/o brady but whatever)... redskins got smashed 47-3 against the panthers, and lost jason taylor in the process.. that's another thing guys, injuries are everywhere.. not just the raiders so don't feel too bad, it's part of the game..
the truth here is, actually i should say the proof is in the pudding.. o'neal going down signaled the preparations to fully match up the bush&Dmac deluxe package, getting 2 extremely versatile RBs along side of russell.. protecting his blindside regularly ... ..i mean, you all saw dmac chip block in the game right? .. you all know bush can become a buldozer of a blocker either for russell and give him another second to throw the ball or in front of DMAC, i mean wow. and you already know opposing defenses will keep 10 in the box to try and slow them down..which in turn causes opposing defenses to gas out while controling the clock at the same time.. so as the defenses are slugging around, that's when the receiving game opens. curry, walker, miller, and ? will keep defenses honest while giving our rookie stud QB a solid completion percentage with above average stats to boot..
RA RAIIIDDDERRSSS!!
#25
Posted by Voice of Reason, August 25, 2008 10:41 PM
The Fifth Horseman says:
August 25th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
The Raiders will be making history in 2008! They will be making history by being the first ever NFL team to finish six straight seasons with double digit losses. And the Fifth Horseman will be here week in and week out, every step of the way, cheering the Raiders into the history books! Go Raiders!! mwahahahahahahahahaha
==============================
V-of-Reason: Raiders already OWN the dubious dishonor of being the first team ever to have 5 "11 Loss" seasons in a row.
Might as well make it a half dozen.
#26
Posted by Shin Willow, August 25, 2008 10:51 PM
Hey 5th horse$#!+
Why don't u ask the Vikings how the Moss trade was?
We traded our first round pick that year, which turned out to be Troy Williamson, which they traded for a 6th round pick.
and also Napoleon Harris, which left after 2 years so...
We both took a bath on that deal!!!11, lol
#27
Posted by Voice of Reason, August 25, 2008 10:53 PM
KUSHMAN says:
August 25th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
haha yea that sums it up dude.. also.. the patriots are 0-3 (i know w/o brady but whatever)… redskins got smashed 47-3 against the panthers, and lost jason taylor in the process.. that’s another thing guys, injuries are everywhere.. not just the raiders so don’t feel too bad, it’s part of the game..
V-of-Reason: LMAO..you're such a marshmellow. Niners sit our RB's and WR's for our game, yet you still put down your remote control long enough to celebrate as if it mattered agains the Niners, yet now, when you lose, it's nothing?
Pick one, twit..can't go both ways.
===============================
the truth here is, actually i should say the proof is in the pudding.. o’neal going down signaled the preparations to fully match up the bush&Dmac deluxe package, getting 2 extremely versatile RBs along side of russell.. protecting his blindside regularly …
V-of-Reason: Blindside? LOL..oh..you mean HARRIS'S SIDE?? Yeah..no kidding. You better keep a blocker back EVERY play or Harris will be the reason Russell goes on IR.
Oh.."extremely versitile'?? McFumble??? Versitile?? He's about as unversitile at this point as a RB can be.
oh..you mean.."potential"??
Yeah..thank god for potential.
================================
..i mean, you all saw dmac chip block in the game right? ..
V-of-Reason: Also saw him get tossed around like a rag doll. Also saw him have a mediocre at best day running the ball. Also saw him continue on with his "the AIR made me fumble" ways.
Yeah, lol...pretty damn versitile.
===============================
you all know bush can become a buldozer of a blocker either for russell and give him another second to throw the ball or in front of DMAC, i mean wow. and you already know opposing defenses will keep 10 in the box to try and slow them down..which in turn causes opposing defenses to gas out while controling the clock at the same time..
V-of-Reason: Oh sure. We ALL quiver at that aspect. I mean, with all of your 'weapons" on the field against the Niners, you had what? 20 YARDS OF PASSING IN THE FIRST HALF??
And wow, that tandem sure scared the hell out of the Cards...big time.
----so as the defenses are slugging around, that’s when the receiving game opens. curry, walker, miller, and ? will keep defenses honest while giving our rookie stud QB a solid completion percentage with above average stats to boot..
V-of-Reason: LMFAO.
I like that.
Late night comedy.
Funny shit, Kushy.
BTW..did you forget you STILL have Harris and Gallery on the left side??? lol...yeah..thought so.
#28
Posted by Bill, August 26, 2008 8:39 AM
I'm there Kushman & Ldizzle, I think Russell is going to be a top 5 QB in the league. Not this year but soon enough. Did you guys see the zip on his ball? Did everyone notice how he can fit the ball into the tiniest of spaces (only to have it dropped)? Our Defence is going to scare everyone and I mean everyone. Ya this means you Pats, Colts, and Dolts. We have a great TE and a few great RBs. Ok so we have a weakness on the OL. We have one of the best OL coaches in the game, let the man do some work. We have a weekness at WR. All we need is for one of our WRs to step up, ONE! Then the rest can be mediocer and we can still win with that (lets not forget about our stud TE). I am worried about out LBs. I really thought that because of Morrison and Howard being in there we would try to find a big run stuffer to man the Sam spot. Boy was I wrong, Ricky Brown? are you kidding me? The guy is another tweener, then there is Archuleta at about 226. Can we all say TRUCKED? I still think our best option is to play Sam Williams on first and second down then bring in Brown or Archuleta on third. Don't worry Nation we will be repected this year.
#29
Posted by Bill, August 26, 2008 8:42 AM
VoR = Mikey49er
Leaving long comments that all say the same shit day in and day out = Boring
Hiding true identity under diffrent user names = Coward
#30
Posted by KUSHMAN, August 26, 2008 9:30 AM
yea he's pretty sad... and a PUSSY TO BOOT.. he had the chance to say all this in person.. but pansied out like a little school girl ... "i dont go to raider games" but failed to realize that it was A NINER GAME TOO.. you just can't sport a niner jersey because you're afraid... puss. but thanks for your broken record bullshit opinions.. fagboy.. but you don't matter. THANKS
#31
Posted by KUSHMAN, August 26, 2008 9:34 AM
OH AND BTW whinermike.. god that name suites you.. you can't stop bitching about the battle of the bay.. I SAID IF U CAN READ THAT ITS THE ONLY PRESEASON GAME THAT MATTERS BECAUSE IT SHUTS YOU WHINER FANS UP...i guess i was wrong because you can't stop crying. WAAA wAA pussyboy.
#32
Posted by Voice of Reason, August 26, 2008 1:43 PM
# Bill says:
August 26th, 2008 at 8:42 am
VoR = Mikey49er
Leaving long comments that all say the same shit day in and day out = Boring
Hiding true identity under diffrent user names = Coward
-
Hey, SHIT FOR BRAINS..I stated that CLEARLY when I was torching Kushy the Pussy on the other thread....even quoted his idiot comment directed at me.
You abuse the right to be stupid.
You are a Raider fan, though, which explains the above mentioned abuse.
Now shut the hell up unless you borrow someone's balls and have something to say besides waving the white flag.
#33
Posted by Your Reality Check, August 26, 2008 2:20 PM
# Bill says:
August 26th, 2008 at 8:39 am
I’m there Kushman & Ldizzle, I think Russell is going to be a top 5 QB in the league. Not this year but soon enough.
Y-R-C: In other words you accept the fact he looks like a deer in the headlights now. Stating "Not this year" means you have at least a year to make up some lameass excuse as to why he continues to suck.
=================================
Did you guys see the zip on his ball? Did everyone notice how he can fit the ball into the tiniest of spaces (only to have it dropped)?
Y-R-C: LMFAO..uh...that's why coaches coach TOUCH, NOT RIFLING IN THE BALL. Do you know anything about football? The Great Bill Walsh would have drill after drill "Too hard...throw it soft. Receivers catch soft balls. Hard balls BOUNCE OUT."
You'll learn. Just continue to read, and you'll learn.
-
Our Defence is going to scare everyone and I mean everyone. Ya this means you Pats, Colts, and Dolts.
Y-R-C: Oh yeah, Cards are still having nightmares on how you contained them. Same with Titans. Yeah, it's scary as hell.
=============================
We have a great TE and a few great RBs. Ok so we have a weakness on the OL. We have one of the best OL coaches in the game, let the man do some work.
Y-R-C: Yes, LMFAO at your comment. See..the IDIOT KUSHMAN stupidly stated on how awesome the O line is, and how HARRIS IS GOING TO BE A PROBOWL PLAYER..how Cable just turned him into a total stud...AND THAT STUPID COMMENT WAS JUST A WEEK AGO.
Your sorry O line means Russell is toast.
----
We have a weekness at WR. All we need is for one of our WRs to step up, ONE! Then the rest can be mediocer and we can still win with that (lets not forget about our stud TE).
Y-R-C:Great. A bad o line. A bad group of WR's. lol...yeah...you're scaring us all with that lineup.
--
. Don’t worry Nation we will be repected this year.
Y-R-C: Sure Billy...you'll be "REPECTED" this year.
Those are laughs of "repect"
#34
Posted by Your Reality Check, August 26, 2008 2:35 PM
# KUSHMAN says:
August 26th, 2008 at 9:30 am
yea he’s pretty sad… and a PUSSY TO BOOT.. he had the chance to say all this in person.. but pansied out like a little school girl … “i dont go to raider games” but failed to realize that it was A NINER GAME TOO.. you just can’t sport a niner jersey because you’re afraid… puss. but thanks for your broken record bullshit opinions.. fagboy.. but you don’t matter. THANKS
#35
Posted by Rebel2124, August 26, 2008 8:31 PM
No "woe is us" here. I'm calling it like I see it. Record games like I have and review them play by play. (I'm into my football people)
Cable will get all that these players can give, I just don't think the players at the tackle spots have enough to give. I agree with Kiffin, the O-line will have to do a far better job if we're going to be successful in the passing game. Russell being a young QB isn't the issue and neither or the WR's. Time to drop back and throw it will be a problem and it has to be addressed.
If any of you have recorded a game or if you haven't check it out for yourself. Rewind and play - rewind and play. Our LB's (Kirk Morrison) don't do a good enough job against the run. Gibril will have a lot of tackles this season and may begin to wear down later in the year. And that's my take on it. I'm done.
Peace
#36
Posted by Your Reality Check, August 26, 2008 10:51 PM
EXACTLY, Rebel.
Stated it from day one when the Raiders signed Harris.
A good coach can make a good player better..can make a better player great...but he can't make a shitty player into a quality player.
He couldn't make Gallery into a good tackle.
Why did everyone assume he could perform magic with Harris?? Harris sucked as LT with my Niners. Sucked as RT as well.
I'll say it AGAIN..you needed a defensive lineman AND a left tackle a hell of a lot more than you needed yet another RB.
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