Darren "High Flyin'" McFadden has impressed the Oakland Raiders in pre-season mini-camp workouts.
He has proven his versatility in running both between the tackles and catching a flare out of the backfield.
As with LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego, McFadden has the capability to toss an option pass from the backfield following a pitch. I believe he will be the biggest ally to JaMarcus Russell in a "catch-up" second year after Russell held out during his rookie campaign.
The Raiders have added tools at the wideout spot. Javon Walker, released by the Denver Broncos, has been signed and hopes are that he stays healthy following an ACL injury and some spotty behavior.
Drew Carter has been impressive in these early-season mini-camps. He's another signee who has been impressive running routes and proving gritty possession.
Carter is 6'3", 205, and recorded 39 receptions and five TDs in the past season when he started seven games for the Carolina Panthers.
The Raiders have a coach counting down the clock. Lane Kiffin deserves better. He is not supported by the administration and is a good young football mind, much like Mike Shanahan was before being jettisoned by Al Davis. However, their roster appears to be strengthened.
Mr. Davis needs to turn the team over to someone astute as opposed to "astupid" in the evaluation process.
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4 months ago
Im a Raider supporter since 1982, and will always be, but thats exactly why I have the right to criticize..... I really hope Kiffen is fired and returns as the eventual head coach of Denver and PUNISHES AL STUPID DAVIS AND MY RAIDERS, that Idiot Davis will never learn, can you imagine the humiliation, will he ever learn to let coaches coach?
from 4 months ago
I don't think Kiffen's one year in the NFL is enough to undermind Al's 50 years, and if Kiffen keeps crying about it, Al will look for someone who can handle their role in the organization. Al has lead us to 5 superbowls, I have no worries that we will be back again. We just had to get our salary cap straight to make another run. AND...we found our QB.
4 months ago
Yeah Jerry... Al Davis who has brought to us 3 Super Bowls 5 AFC Championships and 12 AFC West Championships and other playoffs that were stolen from us, *uck Rule, Immacualte Deception, No Flag 'Fat Saragut' Spearing.... i.e. Right Jerry.... Al Davis. Al Rocks! He is the Raiders. I'm not about to throw mud on THE MAN! Okay we have a few bad years, get over it.
Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy...... nice work and title to twist around to a hate Al Davis rant.... maybe ESPN needs another hatchet reporter...
4 months ago
Jerry, just stop it. You are not a Raider fan and you don't know football, let alone the Raiders. Bradshaw, you and Jerry might even be the same person. Shanahan was horrible and even he admitted that Davis gave him a chance (like Gruden) to be a head coach even although NOBODY else in the NFL would have. Rat faced Dracula then had to go to another team (uhnlike Gruden) as an assistant to learn how to be a head coach prior to going to the Donks, where - without the horse faced QB - he would have failed. Like he has since El-tooth retired to sell Geo's. Kiff doesn't deserve better! Nobody, even in college, would have given him this chance to be a head coach when Mr. Davis did. Your readers deserve better. Jimmy, you have to turn this spot over to somebody who knows spots.
4 months ago
KD, Try to think in the present...You sound like Davis.
On the comparison between Al and Lane your way off base. Sure, Al has experience, but that's it and in this case experience is overrated....It ONLY helps if you learn from the past. And with Al we all now how that will turn out.
Will will never know what type of coach Lane is, or for that manner any coach as long as Al has his way. The best thing that can happen for the Raidernation is for Davis to be hit by a bus.
Sincerely,
A Long Time Raider Fan
4 months ago
I hear all of you, but THIS IS THE BOTTEM LINE. Lane is a good coach, he is a 2nd year of coaching and i expect great things from him, Al is a football mad scientist in his prime he could take a biker out of a bar saturday and make him a pro bowl NT sunday. All I know is we have all the right peaces in place with a favorable schedule for J.Russ, a stronger run game, upgraded WR's, 2nd yr O-line, and a SHUT-DOWN secondary. And a LOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! of money to JUST WIN BABY
D-ROCK
4 months ago
Mr. Davis IS the Raiders. Without him, you have the Chiefs. You don't have to agree with ALL of his moves (which you probably don't have the insight or behind the door facts to understand) but if you want him 'hit by a bus' or out of the castle some other way, you are not a Raider fan.
4 months ago
davis is a football icon he has done to much for the raiders and the nfl.Its only a matter of time before were on top again.it takes time
4 months ago
bad article....
4 months ago
Whatever...how do you know how good McFadden will be "in between the tackles" if they can't practice in pads.
4 months ago
>The Raiders have added tools at the wideout spot.
...and based on your analysis of Kiffin, bleacherreport.com seems to have added a new tool to the "reporter" spot.
from 4 months ago
hey Lanky new article for you to check out article "What did my Oakland Raiders need to do to win the West?"
You can find it at:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/26408-What-did-my-Oakland-Raiders-need-to-do-to-win-the-West-
4 months ago
I can't waite to see DMAC throw a TD on the Chargers... I'm salivating!!!
4 months ago
Does every decision Al makes work out- No. Who's do? What we needed to do was trade our #4 to the N.E Taperiots for their "reserch" dept. Then all these "experts" could have their lips glued to our a##es when we win a few superbowls. Why not write on how N.E has been cheating for the last 5-7 seasons?
from 4 months ago
They've only been writing them FOR YEARS...actually decades.
So many of you are so woefully uninformed.
"Next two years"?? hasn't Raider fans been saying that since '83??
You haven't won a Super Bowl in over a quarter of a century..what the hell makes you think you will again?
Think about it...even Lame stated it...AL DAVIS IS YOUR GM.
An old feeble man who can barely move around, who refuses to allow his coaches to coach makes the decisions regarding the team.
When Gruden left, you last GM gladly went to TB with him..what does that tell you?
Get help on this one, as I'm sure you don't have a clue.
from 4 months ago
Everyone talks about their perceptions of Al Davis.
My questions to you is, do you get a 20% off your next prostate exam coupon with your 49er tickets? Dr. York is the biggest moron in pro sports so you ought to go back into your hole, troll.
4 months ago
by Maverick
from about 8 hours ago
Jerry, just stop it. You are not a Raider fan and you don't know football, let alone the Raiders.
Mike49er: Stop being a sheep. Al "Coach Killer" Davis did exactly as was stated. What part fo that confused you?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bradshaw, you and Jerry might even be the same person. Shanahan was horrible and even he admitted that Davis gave him a chance (like Gruden) to be a head coach even although NOBODY else in the NFL would have.
Mike49er: What?? All Shanahan admitted is Davis is a sorry egotist, has lost touch with reality, and still owes him $250,000. "Admitted he gave him a chance"?? Isn't that kind of redundant? Isn't every time someone hired "given a chance"?? That's an automatic. What's also an automatic is Al Davis is one of the all time WORST at evaluating coaching talent. Seems some guys named Walsh and Shanahan have a whole slew of Super Bowl rings.
========================================
Rat faced Dracula then had to go to another team (uhnlike Gruden) as an assistant to learn how to be a head coach prior to going to the Donks,
Mike49er: Actually was the NINERS who taught him how to be a good coach. You ever wonder why Al couldn't do the same? Mainly because Al destroys coaches, doesn't build them. His sorry ego can't stand someone running things, and that's where he and Shanahan differed. Shanahan made the calls, and Al would have none of it. Where the hell were you? lol...go read up.
=============================================
where - without the horse faced QB - he would have failed. Like he has since El-tooth retired to sell Geo's. Kiff doesn't deserve better! Nobody, even in college, would have given him this chance to be a head coach when Mr. Davis did. Your readers deserve better. Jimmy, you have to turn this spot over to somebody who knows spots.
Mike49er: Wrong again. Elway hadn't been to the SB for 7 years or so before Shanahan got there. After two years Broncs won back to back SB's..something only a few teams, including the Niners have done..something the Raiders never did.
Hell, for fun? Who's the last GREAT PICK AL DAVIS MADE FOR HEAD COACH????
While you're at it, which of ANY OF HIS COACHES did he not drive out of town, deserved or not???
The poster was right..as long as Al Davis is around, you're hosed...you're screwed...you'll never have consistency in your coaching staff...ever.
And considering he's not going to leave, most LONG TIME RAIDER FANS wish he would just bow the hell out, or cash in his chips.
Obviously you're a "new" fan, hence your silly infatuation over the old guy who's lost all credibility decades ago.
from 4 months ago
"Mike49er: Actually was the NINERS who taught him how to be a good coach. You ever wonder why Al couldn't do the same? Mainly because Al destroys coaches, doesn't build them. His sorry ego can't stand someone running things, and that's where he and Shanahan differed. Shanahan made the calls, and Al would have none of it. Where the hell were you? lol...go read up. "
I seem to recall that Bill Walsh was on Coach/Commissioner/GM/General Managing Partner Davis' staff.
Troll, are you not late for your prostate exam at Dr. York's office?
4 months ago
What is it the 49ers have done sence Young exactly? Oh, nothing that is why your on a Raiders blog.
4 months ago
What is it the 49ers have done sence Young exactly? Oh, nothing that is why your on a Raiders blog. Even though we've had a rough five years, at least we're more interesting than the 49ers.
4 months ago
mike49er
Are you that pathetic you have to google "raiders" and leave comments on articles that you shouldn't even give a $h:t About? Worry about your worthless head coach and WAC qb alex smith. You have something to say about every raiders article. Did your wife leave you because of your infatuation with the Raiders and now all you do is blog about being a raider hater? Go google the 40winers and criticize your own teams fans a$$ h@le!
Go Oakland!
4 months ago
My suggestion is the 2 of you pool your money and buy one crying towel, and share it.
then I suggest you pool your thoughts as well, and see if you can manage just one cohesive, well thought out reply.
Feel free to post a few rough drafts, if you think it will help.
Is there anything sadder than someone who has NOTHING to say in defense of their team except the above blubbering?
4 months ago
There are 2 types of Raider fans the ones that are realistic and have been watching there team suck the past few years and the dillusional ones who think Al Davis is the second coming of Jesus. Yes in his day he was great. Key words there " In His Day" he is senile and the down fall of the raider nation. His dillusion brought us Art Shell and Bed and Breakfast. You have Lane Kiffin who some compare to Chucky, by the way he was the last good coach the raiders Al let him go and thought Dill hole Callahan was going to be the solution except thanks to his genius old Chuck beat us with no mercy. How ever as good as Kiffin is we will never know until he is on another team kicking our ass ala Mike Shanahan or Chuck Gruden If you will. For those of you that don't get it wake up and smell the coffee Al is old and senile.
4 months ago
Daniel speaks with much wisdom, grasshoppers.
from 4 months ago
Actually without Gannon or the team Dungy built Gruden was (and still is) a .500 guy.
4 months ago
You Al Davis negatives just don't know what's happening "behind the scenes." Kiffin did something (I will not say) to the origanization and to Al Davis personally that is unforgivable. What he did is NOT trying to get the Alabama head coaching job under the cover of night (which he DID do). What he did was an absolute betrayal.
Al Davis is still as sharp as a tack and nobody knows football and talent better then Al Davis. You all would fire Kiffin if you knew what he did. We'll leave it at that.
4 months ago
LMFAO..."behind the scenes"???
Let me guess...you found this out from an "INSIDE SOURCE"????
Your mailman is NOT an inside source.
Granted it's early, and others might try and knock you from your lofty throne, but dude, IMO that trophy is a lock, and just go ahead now and make space on the mantel.
Well hell...my "source" which is a largemouth bass who sidles up beside my boat, who I've dubbed "Bigmouth Deepthroat" says Al has not only lost all of his marbles some Raider fans should not play outside without adult supervision.
here's YOUR reality check.
Name me ONE PERSON IN FOOTBALL..IN ANY LEVEL..THAT HAS MADE MORE STUPID MOVES IN THE LAST 20 YEARS THAN AL DAVIS??
Just one. Lot's of people have made stupid moves/decisions, but no one, anywhere, at any time in the NFL has amassed more dumb moves/decisions than your idiot owner.
Feel free to consult with your "source" for ideas...lol.
4 months ago
Daniel,
He is Jon Gruden, not Chuck Gruden.
4 months ago
Mike49ER,
Are you ever going to answer why you come to Raiders blogs?
from 4 months ago
already answered that question, but for you, I'll answer it again.
When I want to smack with Ram fans, I go to various Ram sites.
Same with Card fans.
Same with Raider fans, or even those professing to be one because 'I got this cool pirate shirt for my birfday"
Don't feel too special.
Sometimes it's a Community Service act.
4 months ago
We are dying to know
4 months ago
mike49er loves the raiders. His boyfriend is a 49er fan so he has to put on a front. He must be with all the posts and his so called knowledge of the raiders. All you do is cry your opinion. Listen to your boyfriend and go back to bed!
from 4 months ago
Thanks for proving my point. You're weak juvenile middle school reply shows I was dead on on my reply.
If you had a pair that was slightly larger than BB's, you would have mustered a reply.
Instead you made it clear you, along with others, are still looking forward to the day pube one arrives.
Hey, you got a trophy out of it, right?
Again...THE DUMBEST THING I'VE EVER READ ON THIS BOARD, and that says a lot.
4 months ago
I love these folks that are not employed by the Oakland Raiders seem to know that the coach has done something to the organization and thus Al wants him gone. Al had another "senior moment" and like Coach Gruden, Coach Kiffin isn't a "Yes Man" and stands up to him and Mike49er, I don't agree with much that you comment on, but you are 100% about Raider and your response back to him. If you are a real football fan, and a Raider fan, you would realize how much damage Al has done to this team since the early 80's. For crying our loud you you have a beef with your Super Bowl MVP Marcus Allen and let him go to the Chiefs! I would like to hear from the reasonable Raider fans and have them explain to me when is enough enough? I am personally tired of getting one of the top five picks the last four seasons....either get out of the way or expect the same results...oh one last thing Mike49er, we here at RaiderNation know you bad your team and you like hanging out here but seriously dude go to the 49er AARP site and post your comments there....
from 4 months ago
Take a realistic look at the Kiffin/Davis issue earlier this year:
1. 2nd in charge wants to fire 3rd in charge.
2. 2nd in charge tells media 3rd in charge is fired before discussing with 1st in charge.
3. 2nd in charge informs 3rd in charge of dismissal.
4. 1st in charge spanks young 2nd in charge.
If you did the same thing at your job (tell the media you were going to fire a subordinate before asking your boss if it was OK to fire said subordinate), you would be looking for a new job instead of getting spanked on the ass like Kiffin did.
4 months ago
"You bad your team"???
Again, in English.
so, what you're saying is I was right, that you agree with me, yet it annoys you that a Ninerfan was the voice of reason??
Don't sweat it.
I get that alot.
It's the price I pay for enlightening those that are lost, confused, and abused.
You'll thank me later.
4 months ago
This seems stupid to say but all teams go through tough times!
The 9ers are no exeption and any 9er fan who has seen football for more then a decade or two can deffinatly understand that. I grew up in San Ramon and we were all raider fans if you were a 9er fan something was wrong with you or your mascalinity was lacking!
It wasn't untill Al Davis helped SF find a real owner that they ever one anything!
To top that he recomended Bill Walsh to the 9ers as head coach .
weeks before bill passed he was visitting with That "feable old man"
The same guy with 2 thumbs pointed at his chest when someone ask who is the guy responsible for the looser 9ers winning 5 superbowls!
Don't be an ingrate and stop and think before you remove the plastic dribble cup, sunshine!
4 months ago
This is a question more then a statement if Run DMC had played wr instead of rb would he have been the best wr in the draft?
I can't say for sure but I think his hands are the best I've seen on a back comming out of colege since Marcus!
That would address a need if we use him like Bush and put M Bush as a single back no lead, DMC starting in the backfield and motion to the one on one against the lb in isolation.
3 months ago
“Open Mic.”
Definition of SPORT:
"SPORT is an activity involving physical exertion and skill that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often undertaken competitively"
Using this definition, almost anything can be considered SPORT. You could play "Titaly Winks" and if Vegas gave odds on it people would argue with you (until death) that it is a sport.
Snoopy's definition of Sport is what ISN'T a Sport. Anything where a 95 year old out of shape person can play daily, while driving a cart, or drinking any alcoholic beverages and smoking a cigar is just a simple activity. Golf, Bowling, Cards, checkers, chess, video games ETC...
I mean, going th Universal Studio's involves more physical activity & endurance that these and THAT AIN'T A SPORT!!!
Besides, footballs all that matters anyway!
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