Monday was a day that most Raider fans have been waiting for. Since the rumors began, anticipation has been high. Now that Darren McFadden has officially met with the Oakland Coaching Staff, it seems more like reality.
For those who believe we don't need him, you're absolutely right.
But the fact is the owner likes him, Lane Kiffin wants either him or Jake Long, and the fans, well, many are way off track.
We have spent the money on the defense, more money on the defense, and then a bit on the offense. Only one offensive player actually cost significant cash.
We have a chance to be frightening on offense, and I believe our defense is much improved this offseason. But our defense was not our biggest hole last year, costing us games. That was the offense.
You can't expect a defense to be top notch when they are on the field for more than 35 minutes a game or 10 minutes a quarter.
How many games came down to us having a last chance to win the game in the fourth quarter?
How many of those were lost to an interception, thrown either by McCown (gone) or Culpepper (not re-signed)?
On top of that there were numerous games in which we had more than one three-and-out in the last quarter.
I am not saying McFadden will replace Fargas, but the two together—both with fresh legs—in front of Michael Bush would be an absolutely phenomenal set-up.
The ability to keep our high-priced defense off the field is what we need. We do not need to make our defense the most expensive in the league, and keep them on the field.
You can disagree, but I have knowledge and understanding of how this works. I have witnessed the drafts by Al Davis, and have come to realize this isn't just talk. We are not hyping up the kid. He will be wearing silver and black.
If you don't like the pick, are you going to be the loser at the draft booing his team's selection only to find out it was the best pick halfway through the season?
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3 months ago
Just as a heads up in the sentence, "For those who believe we don't need him, your absolutely right." you meant "you're" instead of "your."
3 months ago
I can understand the point you made saying that the reason for our defense's low productivity was because it would be in for nearly half of the game. But I had watched many games where our defense would be first on the field, fresh & ready, and still not be able to halt the run. (Jaguars game) Mcfadden would be great but the question I ask you is whether he is really worth it considering we already have a 1000 yard rusher coming back in Fargas. We also just resigned Rhodes and Bush is expected to be one of the best once he returns. Mcfadden is good but right now we need to focus on the essentials and D-line is what needs to be mended through this draft.
from 3 months ago
we restructured Rhodes contract, we didn't resign him. We gave him less money. We have already spent the money on D-Line this offseason. We cannot pass on McFadden, once we get rid of Jordan. We can pick a sleeper of a D-lineman later in the draft. Bush is expected? The fact is DMac fits our system better than any rusher in the NFL. He will keep our defense of the field, and thats what they need. The reason Jacksonville ran all over-us, is Fred Taylor, and Maurice Jones drew. What team didn't they run over??
3 months ago
ay we need mcfadden he is gonna be better than reggie bush and see what he did for the saints think about what mcfadden would do for the raiders
3 months ago
Okay the Jags game was just one example. When we were playing KC for the second time and larry Johnson was injured, the Chiefs still managed to run all over us. Our defense was just put in the game and backup Kolby Smith stomped us all. I just dont understand your rationing for getting a RB when we already have great rushers coming back next season even with or without Jordan's release. Kiffin himself said the same thing in last weeks press conference where he noted that the Raiders already have a roster with good RBs and getting Mcfadden would just be a waste of a fourth overall knowing that the D-line still requires a playmaker. The money we have spent on the D-line has not been enough as you should know we have only signed players (Edwards, Joseph, Kelly) with inconsistent careers to come and they will likely only provide depth. We can not rely on these players to stop the run and as long as we dont have a strong DL we will still be prone to teams gaining huge yards against our porous D-line.
from 3 months ago
we have okay running backs coming back, not one of them on our roster is "great"
3 months ago
I agree 10000%.....
But we have only one problem....No it's NOT the "Fin"s...They are now negotiating with "OT" Jake Long as their pick....And no it's NOT the "Lamb"s.....It's those damn "Bird"s....Not that they want "McFabulous".....It's the "CowGirl"s who want him and will trade down to get him to #3 and take him away from the Raiders....
Atlanta has the #3 and 3 2nd rd and 2 3rd rd pks.....In a trade they should net the 2 1st rd #22-n-#28 + 2nd and possible 3rd rd pks.....They would then have 2 1st rd.....4 2nd rd....3 3rd rd pks and be able to rebuild their team in one freakin draft.....That really "Suck"s but that is my fear....
PantyRaider.....Damn-Coin-Toss!!!!
3 months ago
The way I look at it is if we pick McFadden, then we will have a great offense that will have to carry the load and score a lot of points and keep our Dfense of the field. Now if we pick C long, Golston, Dorsey, or Ellis then it will be the Dfense that has to shut down teams and keep the score down while the offense gels and start putting up points for us. I'm not to sure which one would give us a better chance of winning more games. Silver & Black in IRAQ!!!!!!!
3 months ago
This is ridiculous...the defense HAS to get itself off the field, ie: HALT THE RUN...the offense improved and put up points last year...we ground down the clock...if you actually had knowledge and watched ANY of the games last season, you would see that we had a lead in those final drives that and it was the defense that lost those games, not the offense!!!
3 months ago
Where to begin? The defense didn't spend 35+ minutes on the field in '07, it was 29 minutes (a 3 minute/game improvement over 2006). The offense went from 16 TDs and 3800 yds in '06 to 30 TDs and over 4700yds in '07. Defense gave up 4600 yds and 34 TD's in '06 against 5500 yds and 46 TD's in '07. All our defensive improvements so far are in the secondary (we were ranked 8th), we have have done almost nothing to improve the defense against the run (we were ranked 31st against the run in case you missed that). We held a lead going into the 4th Q in I believe 7 games, but the defense couldn't stop the other team. The offense improved in almost every measurable last season while the defense unfortunately regressed.
How anyone could look at last year and say we need to add another running back totally escapes me. I am cautiously hopeful that this is a smokescreen to scare another team into trading up, and that we will indeed draft the defensive line help that we so desperately need. Offense wins games defense wins rings.
from 3 months ago
the defenser should have never been put in that situation those seven games. We had the lead true, then our defense would play unbelievable and get us the ball back, we would go three and out and ask for another miracle. It wasn't that our defense wasn't good last year, they were just tired.
3 months ago
As I started typing this I noticed that I was typing pretty much what "Joe" wrote, which I agree with each and every one of his points. And to add to that, McFad has not done anything that Bush hasn't done better ( a Bush in the hand is better than a McFad in the draft....). Anyway, if our defense holds our opponent to 45 yards in the air but their running game still gets 300 yards on the ground, we lose, no matter how many points our offense gets. We need a big mean, helmet breaking guy in the middle. Side note, Jake Long is in Miami right now working out a contract with the Fish. Chris Long (and his daddy) is in Oakland. To end it, Raider fans don't boo their picks, Greg must be thinking of Eagle fans or someone else. I have knowledge and understanding of how this works, and I disagree, McFad will not be on the Raiders (and I better not hear you boo).
from 3 months ago
Maverick, I'm intrigued by what you have written. I have to ask, where did you get your information regarding Jack Long working out a contract with the Dolphins?
from 3 months ago
Hey Mav... We want Chris Long just so everybody knows, but if he is gone IT will be McFadden, If we hold our opponent to 45 yards in the air, that means we would be putting more in the box, which in turn. STOPS THE RUN!... we don't need a DT.. We picked up Joseph, a former first rounder, and Kalimba Edwards. Al Davis has a way of taking inconsistant players who people think are a bust, and TURNING THEIR CAREER around.. Stop wasting your daydream space and step into reality.. IT IS McFADDEN.
3 months ago
AL HATES McFUMBLERS !!!
Go with Chris Long or Dorsey if available. If not, trade down.
from 3 months ago
Chris Long is a good pick, but I am surprised you don't know this yet AL Davis WILL NOT trade down.
3 months ago
Run D is the number one issue for the Raiders. The Raiders get burned more on the outside with the run. They should pick up C. Long or Gholston.
The 2nd most important pickup would be WR, then OT.
from 3 months ago
we have done our part to fix the run D. We got a stronger tackling S Gibril Wilson, another DT in Joseph, D Hall, who can help secure the outside.. we need to address the Offense in the first round. and that becomes McFadden.
3 months ago
You need good receivers to score a lot of points.
from 3 months ago
You also need good quarterbacks to pass to them, good lineman to block the quarterback, good defense to keep the game close, good special teams to keep the other team pinned back, and a good running back to mix things up.
3 months ago
The Kraken say's , discard L. Jordon, keep Fargas, and Bush, if we get McFadden he will pose a 2X threat if he can catch, and block. If we don't get him, keep Rhodes, and trade down to get 2 picks, one for OT and the other for DE.
VIVA LOS MALOSOS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3 months ago
Al is just getting the media to think he wants Mc Chicken Legs. They will either take Chris Long or trade down. Kiffin mentioned trading the pick, Al is just trying to get the most out of the #4 pick. Dallas trade on draft day is possible. However Chris Long is a sure thing. He has his dad's skills. Future HALL OF FAME for Chris Long.
3 months ago
I look at it like this. The Defense had 5-6 pro bowlers, The entire secondary minus you know who, Kirk, and Howard, Burgess and maybe Kelly.
Now Offense ? ? ? ? Yeah I know Maybe the TE Zach Miller.
We have no super star and that's why Dmc will be drafted.
from 3 months ago
this is true, but they didn't make it to the PB, but they are Pro Bowl Quality players.
3 months ago
I don't understand....
"FA" signings...."S" who was a starter...."CB" who was a "PB" starter...."DE" who was a starter...."DT" who was a starter....And now you can't see that he "D" has improved....Also Kelly is healthy and moved inside to "DT"....And are we done adding "FA"s to the mix....The jets are offering their "DT" starter from the 1st rd "02" for a late rd pick....Our Rookie "DE" Jay Richardson will play better this year with more experience....
"SOB" is on the "HotSeat" after looking at other jobs and will have to "Kick-Some-Ass" with this "D" if he is going to land that job so he will be more motivated....
Our need is to help out our Rookie "QB" by giving him enough weapons to keep him out of trouble....
PantyRaider....Pimping-"McFabulous"....
3 months ago
i'm cool with them taking mcfadden after realizing that its just as much a DEFENSIVE advantage for the raiders as it is an obvious OFFENSIVE advantage. It was so pathetic to see the raider offense take the field, take a few snaps, then give the ball back. OF COURSE the defense will wear down and lose motivation when they are playing most of the game. it doesn't take rocket science to figure out why the defense underperformed last year. MOTIVATION is key.
3 months ago
nice statement^^
3 months ago
he leads the nation in fumbles i dont want 2 see us giving the ball back 2 the other team. i can see it now on espn raiders had the lead in the 4rth qrt but dmac fumbles the ball and baily scoops it up and takes it all the way for a td broncos win. no!!!!!!!!!no!!!!!!!!no!!!!!!!! take elis or dorsey we have got to stop the run
3 months ago
who was the last homerun hittin,game changin back the raiders had. everyone in the afc west have that but the raiders. contact chicago and trade jordan and bush for picks
3 months ago
i think dmac would look real nice wearing 22 in silver and black
3 months ago
the last time we had a homerun hittn rb we at least had some run stopping d.running backs are just going to keep raping our line again all season, we have already provn that we car run with wut we got and yes i would love 2 c cris long in silver n black but it wont happen so ill take ellis or dorsey may be even gohlston
3 months ago
We already have two speedsters who can go long and that will spread the defense covering the deep threat because our Q can flick the ball 80 yards. So we will go long but throw a lot of short stuff to McFadden, Bush, and out TE underneath. When McFadden catches a pass underneath it will lead to long yardage time and time again. Who's going to stop this? Nobody. And if they try, then we will just go long and beat their brains out. Can't wait.
3 months ago
If the cowgirls do that then we have a chance to get Dorsey or Chris Long. It's a win win.
3 months ago
Every thing that we debate is all speculation. All this talk about we have excellent backs and we don't need another is kind of crazy. First, we have a starter who has never and I repeat never last an entire season(Fargas), then we have a back that won't be there(Jordan), another back who is one screw up from being suspended for the entire year(drugs-Rhodes), and last but not least a back that has not carried a football against competition in over 18 months(still don't know if the leg can hold up to contact-Bush). Now I have looked at every possibility of us getting a dt that will help us with our run defense and it continues to go back to us acquiring Grady Jackson. He is our best option for us returning to the top ten in run defense. Running back is the easiest transition from college to the NFL. If we draft McFadden he will be more of an impact player for us than a rookie de/dt. He will also along with fargas and bush create a backfield that would almost be impossible to stop. And if any of the posters have played organized football before, they would know that a top ten defense that is good against the run has to have players that are willing to keep their gap control. It doesn't have to have a top notch dt in the middle. It only needs players that will control their gaps and trust that the other players will control theirs. I think we have those guys already and with Ryan being in his final year of his contract he is going to make sure they play that way
3 months ago
Defense wins game, Offense win the glory...the past couple of SB champs have proven this to be true...its simple win by running and stopping the run..we were 6th rushing last year and damn near last in stopping it...# go to D line..the way its looking if MIA goes J Long...Chris Long falls to us
3 months ago
4 the last time we are NOT DRAFTING HIM!!!!!!!!
3 months ago
Wow!.....Stop believing the "Crap" the "Mediot"s feed you....Look at the stats and you will be totally surprised....
The "Patzy" Cheatsters were the #1 "O" and the #4 in total "D".....
The "Midget"s were the #16 "O" and the #7 in total "D"....
That's who they were during the regular season but like the great teams do they turned it up a notch in the Post-Season....The "Patsy" Cheatsters peeked very early on and were reaching "Burn-Out"....They could NOT maintain that high level of play and collapsed with some help form the tough competition they were facing....Even with the NFL's help threw the "Zebra"s they still failed.....
But the thing that took them down was some pretty spectacular play by the "QB" and "WR" at the end to pull out a "V".....If you watched the game at the end the "Midget"s "D" could NOT stop the "Cheatsters" from scoring a "TD".....But the "Cheatsters" "D" could NOT stop the "Midget"s "O".....
Therefore.....It becomes very very evident....That that game was won at the end NOT by the "D" but by the "O"....
PantyRaider....Pimping-"McFabulous"....
3 months ago
Please. PLEASE! DMac is SO overrated. It's simple. Go watch highlight clips on YouTube. Mute your speakers unless you like cheesy music. Watch DMac clips. Watch Adrian Peterson College clips. It's night and day.
Count moves, broken tackles, anything where the runner's skills make a difference. Peterson stiff-arms, jumps over, fakes out, and runs over countless guys. Every DMac clip is the same -- line makes hole, back sprints to paydirt. Sorry, that just doesn't happen like that in the NFL.
PRAYING my beloved raiders shore up the run D!
from 3 months ago
Thats how our line is going to play... Our zone blkocking scheme, allows for big holes, allowing fast backs big plays, if they can get away from the secondary
3 months ago
Greg, you are a moron. You don't know much, you guess like everybody else but you are wrong. You told mav to stop daydreaming WTF? Who do you think you are? Anyway, it is obvoius nobody takes you seriously. Mcfadden will not go to the Raiders, nor should he. Bush is better. I am wondering if Greg is really McFadden...... You don't know the Raiders. I also heard that Jake Long AND Gholston are in Miami talking about contracts. KFFL reported it and I think so did the Fantasy Draft people. I will get the links. Greg, lighten up. You might learn something, or at least grow up. McFad is a third down rusher and is not worth a top five pick, especially for a team that doesn't need a rusher.
from 3 months ago
we do need a rusher, especially once Lamont Jordan gets traded, and Fargas gets waived. Bush hasn't carried the ball in 18 months. McFadden should have won the Heisman. He is and will be the biggest game changing back in years. Not to mention, we can get rid of rhodes when we pick up DMAC, so we are down to 3 backs. Isn't that a normal number? As for me not knowing the raiders, I have covered them for over four years, I am very aware of the way they run the operations side of things, and I am a season ticket holder. Its probably cold in Philidelphia, so go grab your jacket.
Get a life and don't post as annonynous,
3 months ago
Hey "That Guy" this is the link to the Jake Long "http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iIgElS5GM-WT9cbfzkMwsjoggdzAD8VV5K700" or you can Google it, it is the number one hit. And for you "Greg", bit me. You don't know crap. I respcet your opinion, but you jump all over mind. What are you? 12?
The story doesn't make any sense. My statement stands, the reason why they would only get 45 in the air is because they are too busy controlling the clock and putting up 300 yards. Does everybody have to teach you football every time you stand up on that tall mountain of yours? McFad will fall to the Jets, and he should. Bush is better anyway.
from 3 months ago
Bush can't touch McFadden I would love to think so. But why all the harsh words? I am stating facts, not opinions. Oh by the way I am a decade older than your reference, and the last time I checked my hot tub is full o' women, while your alone on the mountain.
from 3 months ago
you put up 45 through the air, means you are being denied a passing game, and which means we would start filling up the box,,,, a factual statement, I referree high school, and some college, along with a few semi-pro games here and there, It is not a guess, It is FACT! get off your high chair and watch some film instead of Next top Model...RAIDERS!
3 months ago
Dmac is an exciting pick because of his pass-catching skills. Short passes that have the possibility of going long would open up deep passes even more. Or we could just send him long from the start.
Having said that, I agree with another posters that I was unimpressed by his college videos. Not a lot of running skill displayed - just a lot of speed. If we do draft him, I'd be psyched, but I would actually be more psyched about a top-notch strong-side or middle linebacker. That would really cap off the D and the reason why trading down seems like a good idea.
My best guess - Al is going to "bluff" other teams into thinking he'll take McFadden in order to try and get good trade value. If they don't bite, at this point I think he will take him. But like everyone else in here, I'm only guessing.
Definitely fired up about the pass D either way.
3 months ago
You are absolutely correct. By the way, this ain't a damn English class!! I hate when people do that to other people. Try focusing on what the hell he said, and not his grammar or spelling.
3 months ago
I THINK THE RAIDERS CAN APPRECIATE MCFADDEN ON THERE TEAM AND THAT HE WILL PUT IN WRK FOR THE TEAM....GIANTS AND PATRIOTS LUK OUT 4 THE RAIDERS CAUSE THEY MITE TAKE IT ALL THE WAY......MCFADDEN MITE GET MVP IN THE PRO BOWL IF HE MAKES IT JUST LIKE ADRIAN PETERSON DID.......AND I GUESS IMA START USING THE RAIDERS NOW IN MADDEN...LOL
3 months ago
I don't know what "V"s you are looking at when it comes to "McFabulous"....What I saw was a back who hits the hole so fast the "DL" has NO chance to adjust to his angle....Even when there is hardly any daylight he passes threw the hole like it's "Greesed"..."LB"s-n-"DB"s have the angle to take him down but with his great burst of speed he leaves them grabbing for air....He out runs everyone....He only has to make 0ne cut to be set free because the rest of the "DB"s don't get an opportunity to adjust there angles of attack before they are left behind....He throws on the run at speed and the ball is right on target....How many "QB"s in the NFL can make that throw....He catches the ball and streaks down the side line like no other....He has tremendous balance and a strong stiff-arm that sends "DB" to the turf....His high speed momentum is so great that he covers 2-4 extra yards after the hit....It's hard for the "LB"s-n-"DB" to line up a good shot on him because of his speed...He bust threw arm tackles and also breaks tackles when he is being wrapped up...He leans forward and when he hit a player it's like being hit by a high speed truck...
"McFabulous" is a Ferrari running around a bunch of Cadilacs....The Hy-Way is his and he accelerates threw it...
PantyRaider....Just-Pimping-Baby!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FCfZoPGEFA "McFabulous" Vid....
3 months ago
Here is the entire game betwee Ark-n-Texas....Here you can see every play with comercial breaks...This will tell you something about "McFabulous"...
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/index.php?rn=193177&ch=193300&cl=4804534
from 3 months ago
nice vid.. I am glad you found this
3 months ago
I'd just like to make this plain and simple.... We went to the Superbowl recently due to one main person that year by the name of Charlie Garner hands down. That complete season HE was the main game factor for us and how we got there. Go back and check the stats, just a hint it wasn't the passing game. Fargas is good but would he hold up through a full season of pounding? No doubt Jordan is gone and good riddance. Rhodes may be leaving too (I hope not on Rhodes) I've watched film on Bush who was at that time a good pick still. Then I watched film on McFadden and of the two he's just the better all around player for this day and time. When the Raiders took Bush if McFadden was an option at the time we would not have Bush.
Look what Adrian Peterson did for the Vikes as a rookie. The one main thing that makes the Chargers a good team is L.T. Without L.T. they are a basic beatable team just like we are now. Imagine what the Raiders would look like with a back of their talent.... I'll answer that with two words.... PLAYOFFS BABY!
Cali "D"
RAIDERS FOR LIFE!
3 months ago
I don't know what all the fuss is about. Lots of players visit lots of teams every year before draft day, and in the end teams only pick one.
Why are people saying that this means that Dmac will be a Raider in 2008?
3 months ago
I don't know what all the fuss is about. Lots of players visit lots of teams every year before draft day, and in the end teams only pick one.
Why are people saying that this means that Dmac will be a Raider in 2008?
3 months ago
We are all just taking the information we are getting and spreading the knowledge.
3 months ago
Check the 2000 Super Bowl results. Yes, the game has changed, and yes, it now favors the offense more. What is my point? The Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl without even a quarterback to lead their offense!
It is IMPOSSIBLE to have enough depth on defense. Defense, defense, defense and then MAYBE offense will win you enough games to put you in contention.
If the Raiders had gone 8-8 I would say McFadden, but offense always comes after defense. If the Raiders added Dorsey or Ellis they could have a suffocating defense. Kind of like the Ravens had against the Raiders in the 2000 AFC Champ game. How much did that suck, Raider fans?
Okay, okay, a lot. Just as much as it sucked for me to see my Ravens go 5-11 last season. What's my point? Solidify your defense. Make sure it's golden. THEN worry about your offense.
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