Face it, by getting CB DeAngelo Hall to pair with Nnamdi Asomugha--the Raiders are now the team to beat in the AFC West. The Chargers, Chiefs and Broncos don't have enough weapons at receiver to break that tandem. I can't think of a team that could -- on paper. As opposed to the Denver tandem of Champ Bailey and Dre Bly, the Raiders also have S Gibril Wilson, S Michael Huff, plus Stuart Schweigert, Stanford Routt, and Fabian Washington. Gibril Wilson was part of a secondary that shutdown the best offense in NFL history--and the other D-backs in that NYG secondary were no where near Hall and Asomugha. I will thus look for KCs Brodie Croyle, SDs Philip Rivers and Denver's Jay Cutler to have career records in 2008 -- for interceptions. So with the pass defense under control, LB Kirk Morrison and LB Thomas Howard would be all over the aging runningbacks known as LT, LJ and the Schmo Who Gets Plugged Into the Denver Backfield. Don't forget to, that Morrison and Howard also have a knack for intercepting passes too. So what if the DL will be patchwork at tackle--the line will surely set the record for "coverage sacks." Plus, Derrick Burgess has been a beast with or without much support from the tackles. With this coverage, Burgess will surely continue to be a beast.
Hall and Asomugha to me are unquestionably the best CB tandem in the NFL right now.
With Hall, the Raiders will be leaving the Niners in the Bay Area dust as they will begin to regularly win for the next 5-10 years. I wasn't excited when Oakland acquired Randy Moss in 2005--but I talked myself into it. Getting DeAngelo Hall to pair with Nnamdi Asomugha is exciting. Usually, my initial instincts are right in regards to Oakland--they've just been difficult to listen to in the past several years. Not now. I was comparing Nnamdi Asomugha to Pittsburgh HOFer, Mel Blount, of the Steel Curtain defenses--before they acquired Hall. I don't expect Oakland's D to be as good as the Steel Curtain--but I do believe that this D could be legendary. Really, the only holes appear to be strongside end and strongside linebacker....but with that secondary, it's hard to imagine those weaknesses getting the better of the Raiders.
The two areas that remain in question are the Offensive Line and the Defensive Line.
The Defensive Line:
77 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
greg pitsch about 1 year ago
Nice Article... We will win the west in 08...
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Steve Duran about 1 year ago
Al Davis has more talent in his little finger than all those supposedly experts will ever have! Al has a buch of Superbowl wins left in the tank.
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RaiderRaffeal about 1 year ago
Dude get off the crack of McFaddens @$$! You had me until you wrote that. The Raiders will draft Gholston, Long or trade out maybe trade the pick to Dallas for their two number ones. I believe that this has to be one of the most active offseasons that I've ever seen for the Raiders. I am extremely excited. And I love how all the na-sayers are starting to change up on their views about how the Raiders are spending money. They can all eat a D!#K!!!!
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
People don't need to throw to win, you guys still can't stop the run. Enjoy the cellar for another year.
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kris nessel about 1 year ago
Hey dipp shit you must be a donky lover we will see when we spank the chargers as well as the cheifs but we have something in mind special for you donkys. How about 63- 14 first meating secend 63-0 then we will see who is a shit talker
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Matt Stephens about 1 year ago
So Kris, what exactly is a meating? and for that matter secend? I guess they still don't have schools in Oakland where they teach simple things like spelling and how to cheer for a winning football team.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Wishful thinking, it generally takes a full year for a bunch of free agents to gel together and play at their capacity. But if it happens this year I won't be complaining!
As for McFadden, I'm struck that his highlights are basically a guy who can run fast through wide open holes. I think of all the plays I've seen of him, there is only one in which he actually breaks a tackle. My concern is that generally he's down by the first guy who hits him. That doesn't bode well for the NFL. Contrast this w/ A. Peterson's highlights, where (especially demonstrated against the Chargers last year), the first guy almost never brings him down.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Someone hasn't been taking his medicine lately, has he? I heard the same crap coming from Broncos fans last year with Bailey and Bly and all their defensive additions. Some good that did. The fact remains that the Raiders still have a porous offensive line, suspect receivers and an unproved QB with a penchant for overeating. Also, if any of these "legendary" new defensive additions (let alone the frequent top 5 draft picks) doesn't pan out then your salary cap is shot to hell for the foreseeable future.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Hey Anonymous afraid to give a name!! You don't have a problem with putting
the Raiders down every chance you get. But you come across as a total PUNK.
GET A LIFE!!
GO RAIDERS
RADLADY
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Jeff Little about 1 year ago
Nice Article ... I think the Raiders will win the AFC West. It usually takes time for the new additions to gel but I think that it will happen faster than expected.
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Mike Groesch about 1 year ago
Our offensive line is still not good. We need someone to open up holes for the RB's and to save the life of JRock when he drops back. The original post also forgot to mention that we have M. Bush Back there, so in essence, we dont even need McFadden. Fargas, Rhodes and Bush should take care of it. We need someone like Jake Long who can keep our QB standing up the whole game OR we need a defensive lineman that can rush the passer and stuff the run like Dorsey or even Ellis for that matter.
I think McFadden will be a pretty good RB in the NFL, but nowhere near as good as Peterson. RB is not a hole on our team, DL and OT are, so I believe we should fill those spots and THEN we will have just as good a shot at the WEST as anybody.
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Mike Groesch about 1 year ago
Our offensive line is still not good. We need someone to open up holes for the RB's and to save the life of JRock when he drops back. The original post also forgot to mention that we have M. Bush Back there, so in essence, we dont even need McFadden. Fargas, Rhodes and Bush should take care of it. We need someone like Jake Long who can keep our QB standing up the whole game OR we need a defensive lineman that can rush the passer and stuff the run like Dorsey or even Ellis for that matter. I think McFadden will be a pretty good RB in the NFL, but nowhere near as good as Peterson. RB is not a hole on our team, DL and OT are, so I believe we should fill those spots and THEN we will have just as good a shot at the WEST as anybody.
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James Adler about 1 year ago
SD will still be tough. If we can't stop the run it's not gonna happen. If our D-Line can't keep the other teams O-Line off of our LB's, forget about it. I'll say this a million times, our LB's are persue LB's. They can't take on blocks. We need some serious beef up front, control the gaps and let the LB's run to the ball carrier. Plus we desperately need a strong side LB who can play the run. Thomas is a nickel LB.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
I hope you are right. Problem is that no pressure on the QB equals plenty of time to get open. Even the best corners can't cover someone prolonged periods. That and why would a team pass on us if we can't stop the run. We've got a great secondary shaping up, but we need to put an emphasis on stopping the run. Wilson was great, but their line had Strahan, Osi and Tuck, we don't have that kind of proven talent yet.
Add a talent like Gholsten or Long in the draft and I think we are on our way to one of the best defenses in the next couple of years.
I have to believe we will benefit the most by trading down and getting more picks. A pick in the 1st, 4th and 7th isn't enough. Look at what happened with the Redskins by giving up draft picks and trying to build through free agency.
Raiders 4 Ever
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donnie veit about 1 year ago
great article
we will in the afc west
but the one thing i was skeptical about is Mcfadden in the draft
we have Bush
i think go the wr rout and get Limas Sweed
he would fit in good with our team and we would have two deep theats in Walkr and Sweed
and put Curry in the slot as our clutch wr and thow Cater in the slot as well
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
You bring up the high points but failed to address, stopping the run?
The Raiders give up too many running yards per game. Yes, the pass defense got worse but the run defense didnt improve. You have to stop the running of the opponent too or the Raider defense will be the one on the field most of the game.
Also, I dont care how fast a RB runs, if the Oline and TE dont block then the running isnt going anywhere. Fargus is fast but I saw him shut down too many times because there was no blocking past the line of scrimmage, the opponents LBs were free to come up and make a play. and I dont recall ever seeing a WR come up and block a DB. Its hard to get a big run, 10 yards plus when the WRs arent helping to block down field.
Mike Williams in the Miami game was hiliarious, Fargus had a TD but Williams let the DB catch up then he got in Fargus's way. Lets see some Down field blocking this year!!
If you watched the playoff, the better teams always have WRs who block downfield. Even that b**tard Moss was pushing DBs out.
We got Bush, get a young WR with the pick, trade back get a mid level 1st and a late 2nd, pick up a young WR and Dline, Oh well, I am not Al.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
OK, I'd like to think I'm as optimistic as the next guy, but lets be serious here. We aren't going to win the west. How is it that our team constantly has 4 win seasons, yet every off season we're "going to win the west?"
I'll agree, MEangelo and Namdi will be badass. But with our 99% man scheme, Wilson and Huff will be forced to play at a level they haven't shown themselves to be capable of....yet. Wilson is a MAJOR upgrade over stewie, but he's not a man coverage safety.
Yeah, we'll stop the pass, but if we don't draft a DT, we're going to get run on all year again. Morrison and Howard can't be beasts if they get blocked all day long. As far as the other backs in the west, neither LT or LJ are going to be their former selves after their injuries, BUT they're still pretty damned good. If we put Dorsey or Ellis in the middle of our line, it instantly makes our linebackers better, and they're pretty good already. A solid DT shores up our line, and lets Burgess get to the QB more often (God I hope he stays healthy).
So we're good on D if we draft a tackle and the Hall trade goes through. Now for offense.
Javon Walker is NOT our savior. He may have a couple descent seasons (more like one good one and then he gets pissy a la Moss) but he's a little too damaged. Curry will be solid, especially with ONE quarterback all season (instead of the guessing game) and other WRs to take the heat off. Drew Carter is IMHO our best signing. This guy has the size, the speed, and the hands to make a big splash this year. He can stretch the field and will take defenders away from Curry and Walker. DRAFT ZACH MILLER IN YOUR FANTASY LEAGUE. He's got incredible talent and he'll have a quite a few "oh shit they're gonna sack me" throws from Jamarcus. Look for him to be THE favorite target of our growing young quarterback.
I don't know why everyone wants us to draft McFadden. He goes down immediately on the first hit, and we run the zone blocking scheme. You can plug anybody in and get 1000 yards. With Fargas and Bush back there we are absolutely set. I think with our running game and (hopefully) solid play from JR we are a COMPETITIVE offense this year. We aren't going to be burning any barns. I figure we get between 6 and 8 wins IF we get the most out of everybody...which rarely happens.
Go Raiders
cSchug
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Brandon Smith about 1 year ago
What about a DT that should of never got away..........Rod Coleman, which i believe is still out there. I say you draft Chris Long 1st if he is there and if not take Vernon Gholston. Look at what a great D line can do to win games. Build the D and the O will come along. Don't tell me the O line is a mess, look what we did last year with a better line coach but had the same players. Al is a smart man so I wouldn't worry about the lack of picks we do have some player that we can trade to get some more picks. Bottom line is you add another D end on the other side of D Burgess and there are a lot of O lines that will be in trouble. Go Raiders!!
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
we cant go wrong with mcfadden or golsten.golsten & dt,frank okan from texas gives us the best defense in the league.defense whens championships.golsten will be defensive rookie of the year.okan is everything that terdell sands supose to be. with mcfadden,bush,rhodes & fargus we lead the league in rushing. this combo eats up the clock & gives j rock time to throw & develope.im gonna say it. playoffs yes playoffs. if we get two of these 3 players and sign d hall playoffs this year. superbowl next. i wouldnt be surprised if we made it the bowl this year. happy days are here again. GO RAIDERS
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Neither Ellis nor Dorsey are the answer at DT. What we need is a prototypical run stuffing DT a la Ted Washington. Someone with the size and ability to clog the lanes. Both of hese guys would be great but we have an UT-Kelly.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Neither Ellis nor Dorsey are the answer at DT. What we need is a prototypical run stuffing DT a la Ted Washington. Someone with the size and ability to clog the lanes. Both of hese guys would be great but we have an UT-Kelly.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Neither Ellis nor Dorsey are the answer at DT. What we need is a prototypical run stuffing DT a la Ted Washington. Someone with the size and ability to clog the lanes. Both of hese guys would be great but we have an UT-Kelly.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Neither Ellis nor Dorsey are the answer at DT. What we need is a prototypical run stuffing DT a la Ted Washington. Someone with the size and ability to clog the lanes. Both of hese guys would be great but we have an UT-Kelly.
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Kurtis Thrasher about 1 year ago
Here's the ONLY reaosn the Raiders will NOT win the AFC West.....The Chargers
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
thats why we need dt Frank Okan 6' 4 340
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Sonny about 1 year ago
I agree last year the Raiders were in almost every game to the end. They even played the Colts tough and that was with not much of a passing game.
Over the last few years while everybody has been spreading their smack the Raiders have been adding good young players and filling needs. They still have some work to do but they look to be built for a nice run for years to come.
What is great is I think the Raiders are going to sneak up on a lot of teams next year. And although Mr. Davis does make his mistakes like anyone else. He has got it right much more then he has got it wrong over the last 40 years, great article.
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Old Raider Fan about 1 year ago
Good comment!!^^^^^
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Pinocchio's Twin about 1 year ago
Personally, I think the OL woes were overplayed in 2007. The Raiders had the 6th overall rushing attack with mix and match runners. The problem laid with the QB. Just ask the Texans. David Carr would get sacked over and over and everyone would blame the OL. Then Matt Schaub and Sage Rosenfels play behind the same line and do just fine. Give JaMarcus somke type to learn the ropes; lean on the runninggame.... and the OL will "suddenly" look just fine.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
I'm a life long Raiders fan. Yeah we made some moves this off-season and we are gonna get DeAngelo Hall and we have the 4th pick. Yeah we will probably win a couple more games this season and we will all be excited about the 2009 season as well. UNTIL Al Davis lets our best player and our only team leader and hands down the best DB in the NFL leave. I'm talking about Nnamdi Asomugha. If we were gonna sign him long term this off-season then we wouldn't be signing DeAngelo Hall right now. Asomugha is going to be Charles Woodson all over again. Thats if Al Davis doesn't trade him for more draft picks this year since we only have 1 pick in the first 6 rounds. The duo of Asomugha and Hall sounds awsome. they will shut down the passing game. But what about the poor run defense we have? We needed those 1st and 2nd round picks to take a DE and a DT to sure up our run defense and give us a good pass rush and to allow Morrison and Howard to get pressure on the QB and stuff the run. I'm not getting much sleep these days because I am certain that my favorite player and our best player Nnamdi Asomugha will be gone in 2009. I won't even want to watch anymore. My $200.oo Asomugha jersey will be worthless just like my Randy Moss jersey. I'll tell you one thing. I'm not buying NFL jerseys anymore. Who is next to go Al maybe Derrick Burgess. WHAT THE HECKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Andres Sanchez about 1 year ago
Very interesting article, a bit bias but as a member of the nation of raiders.... we need this type of belief in our team and system. I believe Hall would be a great addition for this year, but if we lose Asmough next off season then that would be an enormous step backwards. Hes the rare premier back that comes a few every decade. Im not sure if we'll win the west, i believe we can, i believe we will.....but i do know we'll fight and bleed for that top seed through the whole season. 2010 will be our year, Out of respect for a great RB in Tomlinson.... I hope he gets his ring this year, cause the future of the AFC WEST lies in the Palms of the Great traditional Raider Organization, Raider Pride, Raider Nation and the Oakland Raiders.
Under One Nation of Raiders
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John Fennelly about 1 year ago
get a new owner, the rest will fall into place
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Old Raider Fan about 1 year ago
Good comment Andres!! John get a life. Al Davis is the Raiders!!
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Al Davis you old ass crypt keeper looking fuck! You need to resign Nnamdi Asomugha! And get that fat offensive lineman looking QB Jamarcus' ass into mini camp and get him in shape. He's out of shape. He weighs 300+ lbs. and doesn't study the playbook and he has the attitude of Allen Iverson. We aren't as well off as you guys think we are. This is the season that Al Davis spends $200million on free agents. Doesn't even get 8 wins. And looks like the dumb ass-hole that he really is. He's gonna have to fire himself. Because he's the one and only person in that front office that acually thinks these moves he's making are gonna work out. After this season Al Davis is going to be run right out of Oakland. I love the Raiders with all my heart and want to win just as bad as you guy do. This year is going to be really bad fellas. And I hate to say this but this season is going to be one of the biggest BOMBS ever. I'm praying everyday that I am wrong about this. But we all get excited every season and every season we get let down. I just can't keep getting excited every season only to get let down time and time again. Other than Al Davis and our poor efforts at stopping the run. I don't know why we can't win. We have some really great players. Sometimes I feel bad for the good players we have. They are letting their great talents and NFL careers pass them buy. These guys work their whole lives to get where they are. And then get stuck in the NFL "PRISON" aka Oakland. PLEASE RETIRE AL DAVIS. THE RAIDER NATION IS BEGGING YOU. Thanks for the past but we want to win NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
I will be more than happy to admit that I am wrong to you guys at the end of the season. But until we show our true protential and win more than 7 games(let alone 4 games LOL.) I am not jacking myself up any more. I've spent too much time and energy in the past on high hopes and explaining to other fans that we are up and coming and every year looking like an idiot and a pathetic loser in the middle of the season. Remember in 2006? The first game against the Chargers on Monday Night Football with Aaron Brooks at QB getting sacked 10 times and Randy Moss catching 1 pass for like 9 yards and LT ripping us a new ass? I seriously wanted to kill myself. I had a room full of friends watching that game(none were Raiders fans) and all I talked about was that we were going to be so much better that year. Then this year came along. Same fuckin' shit all over again. 4 QB's playing 3 different RB's playing and losing 5 games by 7 or less points. Not to mention most of those games we gave away in the last few minutes of games when we had the lead. Let's see a good respectable season before we all get our panties in a bunch. Then next season I'll be the first to talk all the shit you guys can handle about how we are back and that we are going to win the AFC west and LT sucks DIE CHIEFS FUCK THE BRONCOS bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla!!!!
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Yeah I know Andres. I'm supposed to keep the faith and be optimistic. Support the Nation I know. But I bet that you and me both said back 3 or 4 years ago that we will be good in 2005 or 2006 or 2007. This is what I'm talking about I'm tired of being let down. It's hard to see a team that I love soooo much and consider the Raiders players my heroes and constantly be let down. I've had some tragic things happen over the last few years. My dad died 2 days before the Super Bowl against the Buccaneers. And I waited all my life to see them win that game. I was born in 1984. the last time that they were in a Super Bowl and won. I said to myself that my dad's dead and this is really horrible but if anything could make that tragic day any better it would be a Super Bowl win. We got our asses handed to us and I was in fuckin tears. Then a string of more unfortunate events happened and every year I would say that I still have my Raiders. If they can win then I'm happy with just that. We haven't done shit since. And every year I'm the first guy to hype them up and focus my whole fuckin' world around them and constantly feel like a fuckin' fool. I want to win. I've spent thousands of dollars on merchandise and watched ever game to the bitter end. And even when we are down by 20 points with 5 minutes to go. I'm sitting there saying we are going to win IF. I'm tired of IF! I'm tired of well we signed these guys and we drafted these guys and we're coming back. And then lose 12 fuckin' games each year. I wanna fuckin' win damn it! Not in 2009 not in 2010 not in 2999. NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2000 and fuckin' 8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And every day on ESPN and NFL network I gotta hear these fuckin' dumb ass analyst guys and these washed up never-was-beens like Sean Salisbury and Tom Jackson crack on my team constantly. I don't even watch NFL live anymore. Because no matter who the Raiders sign or who we draft or who we beat. I gotta listen to these ass holes take cheap shots on my team. I get into fist fights and been charged with Aggravated Assault because some dick head has to hound me about my team losing all the time. Mean while my sister is a CHIEFS fan and she dates a CHARGERS fan. And he wears his fuckin' LT and Merriman and Gates jersey's all the time that fuckin' little fagot! Maybe I should just chill on the whole Football thing because this is getting to the point where it's not even healthy for me anymore. The Raiders cause me soooooooo much fuckin' grief. Whe are we gonna win ANDRES? When are we gonna fuckin' win? It better be this fuckin' year! I know that!And Al Davis better resign Nnamdi Asomugha to a long term deal or I'm gonna lose what little hope I still have. thanx for listening to all of my crazy ass bullshit LOL...................
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
I want DE Vernon Gholston!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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keith jones about 1 year ago
get real you fools do you really think that they wont get help on the d -line? so far the raiders have been functioning like they give a damm, ease back and give them a chance to finish what they started.theres still alot of trade bait on that team ie , jordan .wash, walters, and a few others. so sit back and enjoy the ride, and stop letting haters fuck with your heads , aso aint going nowhere, thats why they went out and got d- hall.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
get real you fools do you really think that they wont get help on the d -line? so far the raiders have been functioning like they give a damm, ease back and give them a chance to finish what they started.theres still alot of trade bait on that team ie , jordan .wash, walters, and a few others. so sit back and enjoy the ride, and stop letting haters fuck with your heads , aso aint going nowhere, thats why they went out and got d- hall.
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ledryno2000 about 1 year ago
I am of two minds regarding your article, David. 1) I like your positive attitude and 2) take off the blinders.
You cite the 2006 defense as 3rd best in the league. I saw those games. They didn't give up many yards because the opposition rarely had to go far to score. The Raider offense was awful, rarely scored and many times turned the ball over on their side of the field. The Raider D allowed the opposition to average 4+ yards per carry in 2006; they also weren't very good at taking away the ball. Under those circumstances, why risk an interception when you can run consistently and play field position football?
I disagree with your idea a good secondary makes the DL better. It's the DL that makes the secondary look good or bad. You talk as if Wilson was the reason the Giants D was so effective in the Super Bowl. Wrong. The New York DL and LBs gave Brady few chances to sit back and wait. More often than not he threw the ball before he wanted, which meant the WRs didn't have time to make triple moves to shake coverage, which meant the DBs could play more aggressively.
Asomugha and Hall as our corners is nice; Wilson was a good addition too, but they will mean nothing if the Raiders can't stop the run. Sands did not distinguish himself last year at DT. Neither did Warren. Sapp is history AND he wasn't a run stopper anyway. Joseph is an unknown for the Raiders. What IS known: Joseph did nothing in New York for four years. We have a big problem at DT.
I don't know if Ellis or Dorsey is the way to go at #4. Taking McFadden at #4 would be a mistake, in my opinion, if anyone useful at DL or LB can be chosen instead.
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Pinocchio's Twin about 1 year ago
I beg to differ. In 2006, at one point Oakland allowed negative passing yards to Houston yet lost the game. In 2006, Oakland led 6 times at the time plus one tie, yet lost by the end. The reason: The big play late in the game by the opponent, and the inability to make a big play of their own. Same story as 2007. Their defense was very talented in 2006 and even in 2007, and if you believe otherwise then: you are a) a moron, b) in denial, c) just can't bring yourself to admit that Oakland is on the right track or d) drinking too much of the media kool-aid. Again in 2007, the Raiders were often in position to win the game in the 4th quarter yet lose because they would allow the big play and could not make a big play.
The secondary and DL can run both ways. If the secondary locks out the receivers then the DL is able to make plays. And vice versa.
Also, I speculated that the Raiders have the chance right now to add Glenn Dorsey and Grady Jackson which would allow Tommy Kelly to remain at end. Between Dorsey and Derrick Burgess, that would be a good pass rush from the line. And between Jackson and Kelly, that would be good run support. The reason that a solid secondary would benefit the run support is that the QBs in the AFC West are still relatively young and are more likely to make mistakes. In 2007, basically no one challenged Nnamdi Asomugha--now you either challenge him or DeAngelo Hall. Or you challenge Gibril Wilson, Fabian Washington, Stanford Routt, Michael Huff, Stuart Schweigert, Kirk Morrison, or Thomas Howard. All of whom can take an INT back for a TD. Goes without saying that eventually opponents will focus on running-first and passing only when they have too. When that happens, the safeties can play closer to the line to aid in run-support, and the defense can add another defender in the box. So with LT, LJ and Travis Henry all 29 or older--I'd like Oakland's chances of being able to stop them with a DL POTENTIALLY featuring Glenn Dorsey and Grady Jackson, along with Tommy Kelly and Derrick Burgess.
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Matt Stephens about 1 year ago
David, you make a good point about the DBs affecting the play of the D-line and vice versa, but the rest is pretty off base, wrong and, well, rude (but you're a Raiders fan, so that SHOULD be expected). Your fellow Raider's fan was making a very valid point of your horrid offense putting too much pressure on your defense, giving a short field more often than not.
As well, the DBs are the easiest players to avoid on the defensive. Even with Cromartie, now that the cat is out of the bag, you won't see Cromartie make the big plays with the same frequency as last year. An AFC scout said this offseason that Jammer is a top-5 corner in the AFC but teams are going to be more willing to throw at him because he doesn't have the hands to bring the ball down. The worst that can happen in an incomplete. Asomugha still hasn't shown he has hands, not getting an interception in his first 47 games, and he only had 1 interception all of last year. Hall has only averaged 5 interceptions over the last three years, not exactly mind blowing interception numbers.
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BleedSilverNBlack 4life about 1 year ago
Damn, Crazy how the media can assume whatever and then people start believing it. NnAMDI ISN'T GOING ANYWHERE. Everyone calm down with the "we signed D. Hall So that means Nnamdi is leaving" talk. Think about it, Why the hell would we waste trading draft picks for D. Hall and then just let Nnamdi go, when we could have had the draft picks and just signed Nnamdi for close to what we gave D.Hall? I'll tell you why, because we are keeping them both. Don't you guys watch Raider games?? Nnamdi had 8 picks in '06 and then only had 1 in '07, why? Because he was only thrown at like 17 times the ENTIRE YEAR TOTAL. Teams would not throw his way, Now they will be forced to throw at him or else have to go at another pro bowler D. Hall. When a team plays 98% man coverage like we do, it is crucial to have 2 good cover corners otherwise teams just stay away from your best corner and try to exploit the other corner in one on one. There is no freakin way Al Davis trades the high picks that we did to get hall and let Nnamdi go when we could have kept the picks and signed Nnamdi for about the same amount of cash, it's so obvious! This was all started by the "assumptions" of the media that we traded for Hall for insurance in case we couldn't keep Nnamdi, But I thought the Raider fans who actually watch the games would know better. We got Hall so we finally have someone opposite Nnamdi who will make teams throw at Nnamdi or else get picked off by Hall as well. It's obvious, Nnamdi is not going anywhere,so squash the speculation and use common sense.
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Joe Parks about 1 year ago
Oakland will have the BEST secondary in the AFC if not the NFL in 2008. The offense will be better, but how much better is open for debate. Will we win the AFC West? Until we can stop LaDanian Tomlinson, Larry Johnson and Travis Henry from hanging 200 yards per game on our defense every time we meet, it doen't seem likely. The secondary will help with that, but we need to fix the porous D-line.
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Pinocchio's Twin about 1 year ago
LT, LJ and Travis Henry are all 29 or older. If the seconday can lock-out the receivers, that will allow the safeties to play closer to the line and allow for an extra defender in the box which should be enough to stop the aging runners in the AFC West. Aside from 1 big run in the second meeting between San Diego and Oakland in 2007--LT did not do much of anything against Oakland.
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Charles McMillan about 1 year ago
Chargers fan here...
I respect your optimism, but think your last sentence, which reads, "Aside from 1 big run in the second meeting between San Diego and Oakland in 2007--LT did not do much of anything against Oakland," is misleading.
In our first 2007 meeting, LT rushed for 198 yds and 4 touchdowns. In the final regular season game, he had 56 yards. That might sound unimpressive, but don't forget, he had limited duty --- Michael Turner and Darren Sproles came in after LT locked up the rushing title. Turner posted 42 yds, Sproles 20. So, altogether, the Chargers rushed for 118 yds against the Raiders in Oakland that day.
It may have been an improvement from the San Diego game, but I wouldn't rest easy just yet.
Anyway, here's to some good battles in 2008.
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John Fennelly about 1 year ago
You should stay on your meds.
Dr. Bruener wants to take you back to Walbrook, Raymond...
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John Fennelly about 1 year ago
WHY THEY WONT
JA MARCUS RUSSELL WILL BE A BUST BUST BUST
and they have no offensive line and no running game
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Pinocchio's Twin about 1 year ago
Okay.... then why was their rushing attack 8th overall in 2007?
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John Fennelly about 1 year ago
Good point
I'll give you that..
but
why were the running ball so much when they were behind in games
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Bob Warja about 1 year ago
Uh, no. Nice article David but no. I'd like to believe it, but no. Did I mentin that it's unlikely to happen?
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Matt Stephens about 1 year ago
David, you should read my article on why the Chargers will win the West. Signing an overhyped DB will not solve your problems. As morbid as it sounds, when Al Davis dies you might be able to solve your problems.
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Old Raider Fan about 1 year ago
Matt, weren't you the one who wondered why we were commenting on your Chargers article? Al Davis is the Raiders. When your team wins a Super Bowl, then you can talk smack.
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Matt Stephens about 1 year ago
Quite the different scenario here. This article is why the Raiders will beat the Chargers (we are the defending AFC West Champs), so there is reason to respond. There is no reason for Raiders fans to be commenting on an article about the injuries that the Chargers have incurred. Had all of those comments been on my other article of how the Chargers will win the AFC West, they would have made sense.
When your team wins a Super Bowl less than 25 years ago, then you can talk smack. You're hilarious, that's what I love about Raiders fans. They always take themselves so serious and always bring it back to the ring when they haven't done anything for years.
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nick bowen about 1 year ago
Yeah about san diego not having enough weapons what you forgot about is antonio cromartie,queiton jammer,luis casstilo,shawn merriman,LT,and many more.I think though that the Raiders could be the team to beat or at least secound because kansas city only has LJ and denver really only has Dr'e and Champ
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Matt Stephens about 1 year ago
Your comment about cutting Javon Walker after one year and not paying him very much is off base. If they end up cutting him, they have still paid out the signing bonus and would have paid $12 million for one poor season of service (poor because why else would you cut him)
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Pinocchio's Twin about 1 year ago
It's obviously a gamble on Walker but not as big of a gamle that the media has made it out to be. 12 million is about what Walker should get for his body of work. But that ain't 50 million unless Walker produces.
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Matt Stephens about 1 year ago
Every signing is a gamble, he can just be an expensive gamble because of his injury history and his penchant for pouting.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
This is the most laughable drivel I've read this year. Can't believe I wasted six minutes reading it. Every year the most laughable drivel I read on the Web is Raiders' fans predicting their team make the playoffs. Can't believe Raiders fans are falling for Al Davis' delusions once again. In 2005, after the addition of Moss and Jordan Raiders fans crowed about winning the division. Five wins. In 2006, Art Shell and Tom Walsh were going to return the Raiders to their former glory (lol). Two wins. In 2007, a new college coach was going to be the next Gruden. Four wins. Now after over-paying for several veterans, some of them who could not even finish the season last year, and putting the team in salary cap hell, some, and I stress SOME, Raiders fans have fallen for the delusion, AGAIN. It's defies belief. First, D. Hall is only average when it comes to INTs. He has never been among the NFC's leaders. Second, Hall is only 5'10" tall. Vincent Jackson is 6'5" tall. I'll take that matchup all day long, thank you. But most importantly, Al has done nothing to address the dysfunction in his organization. Is Kiffin going to coach this season? Or is it going to be Lofton? Or Dennis Green? Enjoy your five wins this season, if you're lucky.
-- Charger
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
The commissioner: "with the 4th pick in the 2008 NFL draft". "the Oakland Raiders select Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State." THE CROWD ROARS!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Here are the only logical picks in the first round for the Oakland Raiders: DE Chris Long/ DE Vernon Gholston/ DT Sedrick Ellis/ DT Glenn Dorsey/ LT Jake Long. They have to take one of these guys to really improve from last season. I figure we will get DE Vernon Gholston because the Dolphins will take DE Chris Long. The Rams will take DT Glenn Dorsey. The Falcons will take QB Matt Ryan. That will leave us with 3 options: DE Vernon Gholston/ DT Sedrick Ellis/ and LT Jake Long. And any 3 of these guys would be a great fit. We need D-Line and O-Line help.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
I'm almost absolutely certain that the Dolphins will trade down for more picks. Let's face it. No #1 pick is going to save the Dolphins from another pathetic season. They need multiple picks in the 1st and 2nd rounds.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
A Dolphins trade down will completely alter the first 5 picks. This might allow DE Chris Long to fall into our laps at #4. And I think RB Darren McFadden goes #1 to whoever gets that pick.. Thus LT Jake Long going to the Chiefs. And don't over look the Rams maybe taking QB Matt Ryan. The Rams have aging QB's right now. The Falcons may look to trade down as well. I don't think that the Falcons are really serious about taking QB Matt Ryan.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
There will be probably be at least 3 trade downs or trade ups(whatever) in the first round. This is a hard draft to mock. As long as the Raiders get a D-Lineman I'm happy.
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david t about 1 year ago
im terribly sorry raider fans but your team is nowhere near contending let me explain why 1st- al davis he is spending craploads of cap money for underperforming players such as javon"im hurt all the time and cant play"walker plus i think poor al still think john madded is your coach the old man is clueless 2nd- you have no running game 3rd- you have no o-line though i give the devil his due they did improve after kiffen made some switching 4th- your supposed franchise qb. has ballooned to near 300lbs what is he doing trying to replace warren sapp? im sorry but he is going to be a bust you guys should have taken brady quinn. dont get me wrong im not all raider basher here i will give due where it is deserved you have a pretty stout and young defense you have a good coach in kiffin "at least in my oppinion" i think he has made good progress at least in changing the losing atmosphere but you guys are still a bit away from challenging the chargers but i wont rule out a 2nd place standing in the division cause i think the chiefs and broncos are regressing
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Old Raider Fan about 1 year ago
So you are a Charger fan I see. Let us look at the last two seasons. 06 the Chargers just mauled us. 07 we were close to winning, but a few players away from winning with a new coach. Same coach 08 and better players already, while the Chargers have the same team (older too). Hmmm, I say we BEAT THE CHARGERS THIS YEAR!!!
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david t about 1 year ago
by the way all you raider fans should be writing in to al davis and begging him to pounce on darren mcfadden if he falls to you he would be a franchise rb i dont care what anyone says you wait and see whoever gets him is getting a adrian peterson like impact from here in his rookie season i guarantee it if you dont get d-mac then glenn dorsey to replace sapp wouldnt be a bad consolation prize you have to admitt it beats jamarcus russell trying to do it lol sorry had to get in 1 last j- rus joke please forgive me
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david t about 1 year ago
ok ive read all the why we shouldnt draft darren mcfadden posts now here is a post that will show exactly why you "should" draft mcfadden first off he played in a top notch confrence in the sec also he can do it all he car run,catch,and even pass and if thats not enough to convence you here is his stat sheet notice he improved every year at arkansas. 2005- 6.3avg yds per game,1113 yds rushing 11 tds. 2006- 5.8 avg yds per game,1647 yds rushing, 14 tds. and finally 2007- 5.7 avg yds per game, 1725 yds rushing and 15 tds. this would by far beat any rb on the raiders current rosters stats by the way the stats are from sporting news draft guide 08 if anyone wants to look for themselves
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david t about 1 year ago
come on raider fans use your heads if you all are going to go with jamarcus russell which it appears you are then what is the best thing for a young qb to have besides a good ol? thats right a good rb darren mcfadden gives you that granted you do have jordan,fargas,and m bush but you do NOT have a rb like mcfadden he is the home run threat needed behind russell if you raiders want to get out of the cellar
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Dylan Ahrens about 1 year ago
Oh, so the Raiders are going to win the AFC West.... Did San Diego switch to the NFC this year?
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Dylan Ahrens about 1 year ago
The one bonus for drafting Mcfadden, is not only do you get a great running back, but you also get a quarteback, and can trade Russell, clear up cap room, and work on some other weaknesses
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Aaron Liebman about 1 year ago
I'm tempted to agree with you on this. After all, Denver and Kansas City both have inexperience at the quarterback position and San Diego, despite their success last season, still has Norv Turner as their head coach. But I'm a little doubtful since I myself thought the Raiders would at least finish at .500 in 2005 when they got Randy Moss and Aaron Brooks. We all know how that turned out. But I am confident that the Raiders WILL NOT finish in last place in '08. And that is a bit of an accomplishment for the city by the bay.
www.homeofthehate.com
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Raider Revenge Payback about 1 year ago
I don't care were charger switch to there are no trophies in the show case.
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tank tank about 1 year ago
the oakland raiders have the defense but when it comes to the offensive line they suck 3/5 line are free agents they are going to have problems signing Darren McFadden they dont have the money to sign him there going to trade a couple running backs and a couple DB to other teams. miami needs defensive players so look for 2 of the db that started to be traded the bright side they got hall but cost the price of 2 all star defensive players. Then when it comes to getting rid of the running backs nobody going to want jordon but he has great talent. but when it come to Darren McFadden jordon gone they are going to pay him off.just to leave because when it come to Darren McFadden he going to get the big contract before jordon is.
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Realist Talking about 1 year ago
LOL...you have to really be a homer Raider fan to think this has a snow balls chance in hell of happening. Raiders will still suck and still have a crap OL with the signing and overpaying of Turnstile......er, Kwame Harris.
Al made some decent and some bad moves but overpaided for all. Sucks being old and trying to win now but that isnt the way to do it.
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Realist Talking about 1 year ago
BTW...after McFadden the rest of the Raiders draft was awful, but whats new. They usually are.
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Realist Talking about 1 year ago
DeAngelo Hall is all mouth and overrated. I mean he is good but he isnt elite and just runs his mouth too much while not focusing at the job at hand. Not worried about him at all. You have to be kidding that the Chargers dont have the weapons to compete with that ....LOL....Chiefs and Broncos, perhaps....in fact they dont, but SD?
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Pinocchio's Twin 8 months ago
Arrrrrrrrrrghhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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