Here we are, the team is taking shape with OTA's, mini-camp. I sit back analyzing our current roster up and down. It's the day before the June 1st cuts, I think we still have one glaring need this tornado of an off season didn't bring!
Those that have read my previous articles and comments know where I'm going.....
I'm going back to the Offensive Left Tackle position which is currently maned by the turn-style formally known as Kry-Me-A River Harris. I have nothing against the Kry-ME but I do wish I was writing about how we are going to win the west and host a playoff game in the Net, instead of wishing a cap casualty at left tackle falls out of a tree!
The truth is in my mind we had an opportunity to make the leap to that #2 seed in the AFC playoffs. One more move and we were there Raider Brothers! I'm referring to the monster pro bowl left tackle which is currently back guarding the blind-side of Tony Romo! What could've been had Al stepped up and got big #78 in this years Free agent whirl-wind?
Dallas gave up 25 sacks to our 41 and a majority of sacks were given up by Sims. It's logical to think we needed an upgrade at his spot. I've been crying for an upgrade here for 5 years as I watched our pass-protection stats drop year after year. So you can imagine my joy when in late Febuary #65 is shown the door!
I checked the free agency list and prayed Flozel Adams wouldn't get franchised. Unbelievable as it sounds, he made it through and we are poised to change our weakest link on the offensive line over the past 5 years, combine that with all the other huge improvements we made. We have a great chance to win the west!
Denver was a team we dominated and should have beeten twice last year.
KC was another team we had more talent then and should have beaten twice.
So that leaves the San Diego Chargers that are again loaded and ready to make a run at the West title and into the playoffs.
So how do you beat these Chargers?
If you look at our games we matched up good with them in both games the last game we even shut down their running attack.
Where the biggest difference to me occurred was in sacks. 9, yep, 9. And turnovers 7, 3 int's and 4 fumbles 2 by JR and 2 by Culpepper although only one of his was lost. How do you stop the bleeding?
I decided to take one for the team. I took a trip to the past and re-watched both of these painful games over and over and #65 had his finger prints all over these losses!
One play he gets beat around the corner by his man who proceeds to hit J-Russ, and knock the ball loose into the end zone and there's #65 with an opportunity to fall on the ball (the least he could've done) or knock the ball out of the end zone. If you forgot what happens, he whiffs and Tucker his man falls on it for a San Diego touchdown!
Ouch! These are painful memories to have to relive, but as Coach Kiffin said," you only need to look back to our last two games to see how far we need to go".
The blueprint to me was and is very clear. We needed a stud left tackle to protect our young QB's blind-side and give him time to utilize all these new fun toys at WR.
I do think Harris is a good run blocker that will help guide us to the #1 ranked rushing team in the NFL. But I feel he is a marginal upgrade for #65 at left tackle, when we needed a huge upgrade.
I also know we have had 0 success at drafting a left tackle, it made it all the more important to pick one up in free agency or trade for one like we did with D. Hall.
The June 1st cuts are upon us, will we find the answer or will we trade for a disgruntled left tackle like Peters in Buffalo? Desperate times call for desperate measures and...
Al needs to see wins!
Kiffin needs to see wins!
I need to see wins wins!
Raider Nation Deserves Wins!
Al get me a stud left tackle at all cost trade Buffalo a 2nd rounder if you have to!
I don't care how you do it get this issue fixed or JaMarcus is going to be looking up at lightning bolts instead of collecting Superbowl trophies!
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4 months ago
Chargers fan here...
I respect your optimism, but think the sentence which reads, "If you look at our games we matched up good with them in both games the last game we even shut down their running attack," is inaccurate.
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 Qualcomm game, but I wouldn't rest easy just yet.
Anyway, here's to some good battles in 2008.
from 4 months ago
Charles the difference in the game was the sacks and turnovers turned into more run playes for LT and a victory if you get 0 sacks 0 turnovers those games are a coin toss.
The difference is sims in both games
4 months ago
118 total rushing against the chargers is shutting them down in my opinion. They were also aided by the turnovers.
Chargers rest assured at this point you are the favorite to win the west!
4 months ago
This year no turner for you and no sapp or hirum eugene for us replaced with upgrades for us!
These numbers not yearing it up by any means!
San Diego avg 127.4 yards per game 7 yards below your avg and 3 more rushes
NET YARDS RUSHING 120 you forgot the qb
Total Rushing Plays 33
Average Gain per Rushing Play 3.6
Tackled for a Loss (Number-Yards) 2-5
FUMBLES (Number-Lost) 1 - 1
0 touchdowns
Rank Team G Pts/G TotPts Att Att/G Yds Avg Yds/G TD Lng 1st 1st% 20+ 40+ FUM
7 San Diego Chargers 16 25.8 412 485 30.3 2,039 4.2 127.4 19 74T 104 21.4 16 4 7
1-10-OAK 47 (14:48) 21-L.Tomlinson up the middle to OAK 46 for 1 yard (56-D.Burgess).
2-1-OAK 25 (13:20) 21-L.Tomlinson right guard to OAK 21 for 4 yards (98-J.Richardson).
1-10-OAK 21 (12:43) 21-L.Tomlinson up the middle to OAK 20 for 1 yard (99-W.Sapp).
3-3-OAK 14 (11:14) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers scrambles up the middle to OAK 9 for 5 yards (99-W.Sapp).
1-9-OAK 9 (10:33) 21-L.Tomlinson left end pushed ob at OAK 7 for 2 yards (53-T.Howard).
2-7-OAK 7 (10:00) (Shotgun) 17-P.Rivers pass short middle to 21-L.Tomlinson for 7 yards,
5:49) 17-P.Rivers to SD 35 for -4 yards (99-W.Sapp). FUMBLES (99-W.Sapp), touched at SD 35, RECOVERED by OAK-56-D.Burgess at SD 35
1-10-SD 30 (4:24) 21-L.Tomlinson right tackle to SD 32 for 2 yards (52-K.Morrison).
2-8-SD 32 (3:51) 21-L.Tomlinson up the middle to SD 34 for 2 yards (21-N.Asomugha, 99-W.Sapp).
1-10-SD 18 (14:49) 21-L.Tomlinson left tackle to SD 18 for no gain (91-T.Brayton).
3-10-SD 18 (14:07) 17-P.Rivers scrambles left end to SD 19 for 1 yard (99-W.Sapp).
1-5-SD 8 (10:01) 21-L.Tomlinson up the middle to SD 20 for 12 yards (30-S.Schweigert).
2-22-SD 8 (8:29) (Shotgun) 21-L.Tomlinson left tackle to SD 10 for 2 yards (24-M.Huff, 56-D.Burgess).
3-20-SD 10 (7:48) (Shotgun) 43-D.Sproles up the middle to SD 23 for 13 yards (23-C.Carr).
3-1-SD 29 (2:14) 21-L.Tomlinson left tackle to SD 30 for 1 yard
1-10-SD 15 (2:00) 21-L.Tomlinson right end to SD 26 for 11 yards (27-F.Washington).
1-10-OAK 26 (:54) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 43-D.Sproles up the middle to OAK 19 for 7 yards (24-M.Huff).
Timeout #2 by SD at 00:45.
2-10-OAK 34 (14:43) 21-L.Tomlinson right end pushed ob at OAK 23 for 11 yards (26-S.Routt).
1-10-OAK 23 (14:19) 21-L.Tomlinson left guard to OAK 23 for no gain (98-J.Richardson).
1-10-SD 44 (11:46) 21-L.Tomlinson up the middle to 50 for 6 yards (24-M.Huff, 52-K.Morrison).
2-4- (11:14) 21-L.Tomlinson left tackle to 50 for no gain (52-K.Morrison).
2-10-OAK 42 (9:49) 21-L.Tomlinson left guard to OAK 41 for 1 yard (90-T.Sands).
1-10-SD 37 (5:14) 33-M.Turner up the middle to SD 41 for 4 yards (Team).
2-6-SD 41 (4:37) 33-M.Turner left guard to 50 for 9 yards (52-K.Morrison).
1-10- (3:55) 33-M.Turner up the middle to OAK 48 for 2 yards (61-G.Warren, 98-J.Richardson).
1-10-OAK 45 (1:11) 33-M.Turner left tackle to OAK 42 for 3 yards (53-T.Howard).
1-15-OAK 26 (15:00) 33-M.Turner right guard to OAK 17 for 9 yards (Team).
2-6-OAK 17 (14:33) 33-M.Turner left guard to OAK 13 for 4 yards (52-K.Morrison).
1-10-OAK 44 (11:03) 33-M.Turner up the middle to OAK 45 for -1 yards (56-D.Burgess).
1-10-SD 23 (3:05) 33-M.Turner right guard to SD 27 for 4 yards (52-K.Morrison).
Timeout #1 by OAK at 02:57.
3-6-SD 27 (2:52) 33-M.Turner up the middle to SD 32 for 5 yards (52-K.Morrison).
Timeout #2 by OAK at 02:46.
1-4-OAK 4 (2:32) 33-M.Turner left end to OAK 4 for no gain (57-R.Brown; 50-I.Ekejiuba).
Two-Minute Warning
3-9-OAK 9 (1:56) 33-M.Turner right tackle to OAK 6 for 3 yards (98-J.Richardson).
Timeout #3 by OAK at 01:49.
4 months ago
If I were a Raider fan, I would be concerned with the shaky head coaching position. Lane Kiffin could be fired if the Raiders get off to a rough start. That is always a death knell to a team - it usually leads to them playing out the string.
I am more concerned about how the veterans they are bringing in will be won over by Kiffin. I am also concerned about how all this uncertainty will the effect the progress of JaMarcus Russell. Young QBs need stable environments in order to flourish
Again, I don't like what I'm seeing in Oakland. I see them winning no more than 7 games...
from 4 months ago
If you look at the Raiders schedule, he should be fired if they don't have a .500 record through 8 games.
from 4 months ago
why he played last year with Norve and Art's team not his!
4 months ago
The Raiders making a jump from worst in the division to 1st it is highly unlikely, but they could compete for second in the division. The Chargers are pretty dang good
from 4 months ago
that's right they are the second best team in the div. but if they were to stop the bleeding against SanDiego 9 sacks 7 turnovers most can be linked back to the Oline!
They could have split with San Diego and won 2 more of their nondiv schedule which would put them at 12-4 and winning the West!
4 months ago
Good Article Frank. Though the comparison to the Cowboys goes much deeper then the 25-41 sacks. One name, Tony Romo. This Quarterback moves around so much around in the pocket hes pretty much his own Protection. Drew Bledsoe was getting sacked and slapped around everywhere before Romo got his first start. Thats why when i think of 'Pass Protection' I think of more then the Offensive line, I think of the Qb and how he moves around the pocket, i think of the FB/RB and if theyre picking up the right man, and i think of if the WR"s are getting open. Obviously, a huge part of it is fought down in the trenches, but thats not were its all at. I think with the Raiders this season, we'll just be seeing a bunch of Running, Play actions, and shotgun formations. They'll run schemes where JR will have time and our season wont rely strickly on the Arm of JR. At least not this year. I think we'll be just fine on Offense, I believe we'll contend for the top seed in the AFC WEST(Im not impressed with the Chargers)... But it would surprise me, and i think the whole league if we won the west this year. My most realistic understanding, 2010 we'll be AFC WEST CHAMPS
4 months ago
Well, I can say this much. If Al was gonna fire Kiffiin anytime this year he would be already be gone. Al is hoping that he resiegns so he doesn't have to pay him the money Kiffin would be owed. However, bringing in Lofton who has been interviewed multiple times the last couple years sets up a solid backup plan for another good young coach.
Also, I believe that great quaterbacks are gonna be great. Look at Troy Aikman he was like 1-15 in his first season and took an absolute beating. Montana won 6 games in his first season as a starter. Either you are a tough SOB that can handle the intense mental situations of the NFL or you can't.
I am betting on JR, he is mentally tough and is working as hard as ANY QB in the league. He will get it done.
from 4 months ago
Al does not care about the money owed Kiffin. Kiffin got a slap on the wrist for leaking to the media that Rob Ryan was out.
4 months ago
see Frank, Andres gets it. its more than just straight up pass protection. its game planning and everything that goes into it, from the QBs connection with the center to everyone else being on the same page, to the talent of certaing players etc etc. All you do is harp on Sims and say who should be the LT and according to you unless they do what you say people dont know football, lol. your a funny guy, sounds like what a kid would do. Your just going to have to accept what they do. I look for the positive, do you.
Kevin i agree that the work ethic of JR is going to shine through. all the skeptics about the coaching aspect wont affect him, hes been great. and i believe there is some stability right now with coaching. i cant see them winning less than at least 7 games this year. they have a supposedly easier schedule than last year with much improved talent and same coaching and system. and last year they were in every game till the end except one. and they improved in some areas over the course of the season. and theyll have just one QB starting instead of playing the QB carousel. there will be a more solid foundation going with better talent and an easier schedule. well win at least 7 games by process of elimnation.
4 months ago
With D-Hall and Asomugha in blanket coverage and Huff roaming free, we're going to run a hybrid sorta 46 defense. Gibril Wilson will be in the box alot. We'll always have 8 in the box. We could also use a hybrid of the "wolverine" defense that we used to run when c-wood was here. Either way, we're shuttin down the run
4 months ago
Andres
Thanks I'm glade you liked the article, although this wasn't a comparrision with the cowboys only that the cowboys have a better tackle and it sure helps. There's just not enough of them around in the NFL.
That's why there is such a premium on them. I feel the sack total changed our game planing and our effectiveness in the passing game which made us turn to a high diet of run and short screens and dumpoffs as our passing game to protect our QBS. All of this is ok, but if we go out and get fast wr's in free agency and in the draft as well as undrafted free agents one would think we aren't looking to dink and dunk and woble the whole year. It only make sense that they are here to put the octane back into this used corvett.
The differnce between a 8-8 season and so much more is pass protection!
Al wants more!
Kiffin wants more!
I want more!
from 4 months ago
Andres is correct. Fruthermore, Merriman and Co. are going to get through ANY pass protection in the NFL if you are relying only on your OL play to be effective. If you have a QB who sees the field and WR's who can get open as well as a running game that can keep the ends home, you can appear to buy your OL time.
4 months ago
Steve I refuse to post to you it's a waste of time!
4 months ago
Ryan
Those are possiblities except we haven't seen them run any of those at the ota's or mini camp so if they are going to install a hybrid defense they would probaly need to practice it! I'm not at every prctice but do have contacts that are and they have't seen anything in the way of Defensive changes you are sugesting.
I said last year we could take a sinple chage in our defensive formation and turn it into the band aid to success last year.
So when I say that I don't think they're going to do it, it's not because I don't think changes are possible solutions to mask and enhance our difficiancies.
My idea was maybe even more out of the box then yours. I thought the best solution based on our personel was to change the base defense to a 5-2-4 or 5-6. I thought we have two stud LBS and to rush tackles, two ends with Sandman in the middle! example:
ends burgess and clemmons with sapp and kelly on either side of Sands. With 52 and 53 playing LBS and our dbacks behind them if the opponets went to 3 wr pull one LB and add a dback if they go to 4 wr then take the lb away and add another dback. and 5 wr reverts to 4 man line adding one more db.
It worked because we had many good d backs and the 5 man line puts our athletes one on one with their linemen this defeats the zone blocking system of denver and forces the cheifs to throw more, it also puts oue choice of a corner or safety on the TE's if they leve them in vs this set.
Anyway it was my thought on formation changes to help!
4 months ago
Last time I checked, the media is not allowed inside the Raider's facility for anything meaningful...I'm not sure what you are talking about.
4 months ago
the thursday of the last minicamp press was at the alameda facility.
Check back that was the last time we had a lot of articles.
In addition I know someone (like everyone says) that is with the organization and has been for a long time.
4 months ago
Both left and right tackles were beaten easily in pass defense by most accounts.
http://mvn.com/nfl-raiders/2008/06/04/oakland-raiders-continue-to-build-excitement-for-2008/
4 months ago
Briefly: Center Chris Morris continues to work with the first-team offense ahead of John Wade. He hopes to replace Jeremy Newberry, who signed with the Chargers this week
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/06/03/SPSG112EHO.DTL
4 months ago
Right now, the major thing i'm seeing, is that Oakland is retooling the team, similar to the 1983 squad.
Case in point, 2 CB defenses, allowing us to work more people in the box, or, with talent, rush the QB in a hurry.
Of course, we don't have guys like Alzado, Long, or Hendricks to make life rough.
On the offensive side of the tilt, we just added McFadden, giving us a good yardage threat, and true to old school, someone to eat the clock in the 4th quarter. While I don't see the Raiders doing a massive option for all run, no passing plays, him and Russell might be best suited for this, mixing in some curry, and a TE pattern to keep defenses honest.
Final result, is the Raiders will look like an AFL team, scoring lots, but no defense....last team with the ball wins.
KC was the last team to have the best offense and worst defense.....they made the playoffs, doing that....but lost out to the Colts.
from 4 months ago
They had a great oline!
He rolled around Cornell Green, raced past Mario Henderson, and even broke through double-teams for stops in the backfield. He was completely unblocked on one play and was there the moment Russell turned around for a play-action rollout.
The morning practice ended Wednesday with Burgess getting by Henderson and tight end Zach Miller in time to grab Michael Bush by the back of the jersey and end the run play.
"Strolls in and he's getting to the quarterback," Miller said.
we keep getting articles like this and Kiffin said we have got to get consitancy out of our tackles and get the o line going!
4 months ago
Chris,
Kiffin din't get in Al's doghouse because of a "leak" to the media about Ryan. First off there was no "leak", it was Kiffin that wanted Ryan gone. Al wanted him to stay.
He got in the doghouse because his name was tied strongly to the Arkansas job, as in he was pursueing it. The same thing happened to Gruden, with his name being tied to the Notre Dame job. That was the start of the end for Gruden, and is for Kiffin. Al takes this as s slap in the face. I agree, if an owner gives you your first shot at a very young age, you should finish out your contract then pursue another job... They knew what they were getting into when they accepted the job!
from 4 months ago
Kevin we have no idea all that goes on at the facility, but I can tell you this as Kiffin said not all you read is true and where there's smoke!
Al needs to leave Kiffin alone and let him do his job and try to win games if that fails then you can fire him!
But you can't keep interfiring as the articles say if they are true!
4 months ago
congrates to RUNDMC welcome to the Blackhole!
Raiders Sign Darren McFadden
June 5, 2008
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RB Darren McFadden signs his contract in the Hall of Fame room at the Raiders Alameda, Calif., facility.
Raiders.com
The Oakland Raiders have signed 2008 first round selection Darren McFadden. Log on to www.raiders.com for complete press conference coverage Friday, June 6, starting at 11:00 a.m. PT.
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