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Raider Nation may not like me very much, but you have to respect Raider fans. They’re quite possibly the most passionate, diehard fans in the NFL. Their blind passion is enviable. While most fanbases are skeptical, they're forever optimistic...

Oakland Raiders Preview: Bad Contracts Equal More Heartache for Raider Nation

by Sean Crowe (Senior Writer)

62

1322 reads

Preview/Prediction

August 19, 2008


Raider Nation may not like me very much, but you have to respect Raider fans. They’re quite possibly the most passionate, diehard fans in the NFL.

Their blind passion is enviable. While most fanbases are skeptical, they're forever optimistic. They believe in their team, no matter what any of us "experts" say.

And they always stick with their team no matter what—through the good and the bad, the thick and the thin.

Unfortunately for Raider Nation, lately, it’s been more thin than thick. Or is “thick” bad and “thin” good? In any event, it's been more bad than good recently.

Since their Super Bowl run in 2002, the Raiders have been on a free-fall of epic proportions. One that saw them bottom out two years ago when Raider Nation was forced to witness the return of Art Shell, even though he was legally declared dead seven years ago.

He was the first legally dead person to coach an entire season in the NFL since Rod Rust.

Replacing him with Lane Kiffin was a stroke of genius. Allowing the front office’s relationship with Lane Kiffin to deteriorate to the point it did during this offseason was a stroke of stupidity.

Luckily for Raider Nation, despite the friction, Kiffin returns in 2008 for his second season as Raider head coach.

Thankfully for Kiffin, Jerry Porter, Dominic Rhodes, and Warren Sapp won’t be returning with him.

I’ll give Al Davis one thing: He’s not afraid to spend money. The question is whether or not he spent it wisely.

I'll start with the good. Gibril Wilson was a fantastic signing, even if they're paying him slightly more than he's probably worth.

Now, for the not so good.

Drew Carter is a pretty good second receiver, but he comes with injury concerns.

Javon Walker, at best, is a head case, at worst is an injured head case. Apparently, Al Davis already had to talk him out of retirement once this preseason. Not exactly a great sign.

DeAngelo Hall is a shutdown corner for nine out of every 10 snaps. The problem with him is what happens on that 10th snap, which usually results in a wide receiver celebrating a touchdown catch.

Kalimba Edwards, Kwame Harris, and William Joseph...all perennial underachievers.

I was surprised to learn that former Patriot great Greg Spires was still in the NFL.

I’m completely confused...no, not the right word. I’m utterly befuddled (better) by the Tommy Kelly contract.

Decent potential, never really done anything of note, recovering from an injury, and is now one of the highest-paid players at his position?

Huh?

At this point, I actually feel bad for Al Davis. I honestly believe he thinks he had a great offseason (a notion that is shared by much of Raider Nation, by the way).

Darren McFadden aside, I’m not so sure he did. Every guy he brought in is overpaid, recovering from injury, or old.

They’ll be better, mostly because they have to be. But they won’t be much better. They won’t be as good as Denver or San Diego.

They might be as good as Kansas City.

They have a second-year quarterback who has a tremendous arm but is extremely inexperienced. Their running game should be pretty good; McFadden is going to be a tremendous running back.

But he won’t be enough to make this team respectable on offense.

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62 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment

  1. Umer Waris 10 months ago

    Sean,

    I disagree with some of the points you state.

    Lets start off with Kelly. The man has always been known for having the talent to be a force and was even endorsed by Sapp himself to be his sucessor. Well lets just see how he stands against 3 time pro bowler Tommie harris as both these players entered the league in 2004.

    Harris: 60 games, 19.5 sacks, 139 tackles
    Kelly: 49 games, 13 sacks, 134 tackles..... quite amazing wont u say and Kelly was still getting all the attention even after Harris sined a much more lucrative contract!

    The run defense was also incredible in the preseason game against the Titans. Tennesse ranked in the top 5 in running the ball and trampled the Rams to become the rushing leaders for the preseason's week 1. They Raiders not only contained that run in week 2 but also outrushed it!

    Kwame Harris cant be debunked as an under achiever just yet, man. The man was a great run paver for SanFran and Gore. Now I refer back to the preseason game against the Titans.
    Tennesse's D-line is star studed with Pro bowlers Vanden Bosch, Haynesworth and newly aquired Kearse. Harris was given the seemingly impossible task of guarding against Vanden Bosch. Well u might be expecting an 8 sack game for Mr. Bosch right !?! Lets just say Russell was never laying on the turf.

    Yes Carter has injury concerns but that didnt stop him from comng off of career bests in Carolina.

    I believe that we are already as good as good as the broncos whereas the Chiefs will be occuping the AFC West cellar.

    Thanks for the credit u gave us Raider fans. Yeah we have been through some tough times and the least we can do is to stick with our team.

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    • Ken Sheehan 10 months ago

      As much as I appreciate the passion of raider fans i have to say, like most fans I won't always agree with them. To say Kelly is just as good as Harris seems extreme, especially since you're comparing to players who couldnt be in more different systems. Their numbers may be close, but lets keep in mind that Kelly plays on a defense where any one can make the tackle where as Harris plays with tackle machines Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, not to mention he's on a defensive line where the pressure can come from any where.

      I would also warn not to read to much in the preseason. It may be true that the Raiders stopped the number one rushing offense, but after one game it couldn't be more of a toss up for who's going to lead the league in anything. If i read as much into the preseason as you seem to be i could never expect the Patriots to win any more than 4 games a season.

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    • Sean Crowe 10 months ago

      Kelly isn't a bad player, but it's a bad, bad contract. The only reason to give a guy that much money is if he really doesn't want to play there and you need to overpay to keep him.

      He's coming off an injury, he's never been a pro-bowler... they should have been able to get him cheaper.

      Carter is OK, but like I said, it's a concern.

      You could certainly be as good or better than the Chiefs. I just don't think you're as good or better than the Broncos. And certainly not the Chargers.

      Thanks for the comments. I enjoy the debate.

      -Sean
      PS: I actually hope you're all right and I'm wrong...I'd much rather see a good Raider team than a bad one.

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    • Umer Waris 10 months ago

      Once again, thanks sean for the remarks u gave us Raider famatics. U know this same love we share is often regarded as stubborness by ohers. Thanks for bein that understanding.

      As for kelly, all I know is that he was supposed to be big once he hit the free agent market and Mr. davis had to convince him to stay. let the money do the convincing I would say. same went with Walker. the entire NFC east was offering him something and once you have the Eagles, Cowboys, redskins and giants contacting someone, you have to somehow convince him real well to come to a 4-12 team. Let the money do convincing again!

      Ken,

      The Raiders dont fall short with LBs that tackle sure and hard. 211 tackles for just two LBs in ONE season is nothing less than tremendous I would say. Pro bowl caliber... u bet it is!
      I am one who believes that the preseason does stand for something. Its a great evalution of the rookies and a modest assesment of the team's offseason development. The first quarter or half is what is essentially imperative for the fan because it is when they see the first teams in action.
      The Raiders were great in containing the Titans first team's ground attack which ranked in the top 5 last season and completely pummeled the Rams in week 1.
      I dont remember seeing any jaw dropping run gains by the taitans in the first, 2nd, 3rd or 4th quarters.

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  2. Ken Sheehan 10 months ago

    I completly agree with pretty much evething you said. Everything from the fans to the off season pick ups. I think they could have one of the leaues best secondaries, especially if the switch from strong to free safety allows Huff to be the player I believe him to be.

    Also when it comes to Al Davis it's almost he reminds me of Jerry Jones, but only if Jones made all the wrong decisions. Like Jones, Davis never had a problem spending money to get the player he wanted, the only problem was Jones almost always made the gamble that payed off and Davis seems unable to do that.

    If they let Kiffin do his job and get someone new to make personal decisions (maybe just replace Davis with a big spining wheel of chance) they have some of the foundations in place to have a quality team for years.

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    • Umer Waris 10 months ago

      Ken,
      This is the reply to the comment you gave me above.

      The Raiders dont fall short with LBs that tackle sure and hard. 211 tackles for just two LBs in ONE season is nothing less than tremendous I would say. Pro bowl caliber... u bet it is!
      I am one who believes that the preseason does stand for something. Its a great evalution of the rookies and a modest assesment of the team's offseason development. The first quarter or half is what is essentially imperative for the fan because it is when they see the first teams in action.
      The Raiders were great in containing the Titans first team's ground attack which ranked in the top 5 last season and completely pummeled the Rams in week 1.
      I dont remember seeing any jaw dropping run gains by the taitans in the first, 2nd, 3rd or 4th quarters.

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  3. Greg Peterson 10 months ago

    You're wrong, wrong wrong in so many ways.

    First, since when could you or any other Patriot fan be lumped in as an "expert" in anything? Bed wetting? OK I'll give you that, you're an expert bed-wetter. Writing articles for free and being a BR Community Leader doesn't make you an NFL expert, it makes you a volunteer. Sorry if that sounds harsh but now that your football team is hated by everybody because they "Just win baby" you're going to have to take it.

    Second, Art Shell is the SECOND legally dead person to coach an entire season since Rod Rust. Rich Kotite coached the Jets TWO seasons (in your own bed-wetting division) before Art returned from the beyond.

    Third, Al Davis talking Javon Walker out of retiring was more than a bad sign, it was a monumental fuckup. Best case scenario they agree to retire together on a Havasu City houseboat and cruise Vegas looking for strippers to Dom spray.

    Ad infinitum, because of the expiring CBA, free agency will be even thinner pickings in the next two years than it has been for the last two. Coupled with the salary cap spike, competition for the available free agents this year sent contracts soaring. Kelly's contract set the market for his position in the current environment and has already been surpassed by more elite players. This time next year Kelly's contract will seem like a bargain. But I already wrote an entire article explaining this.

    The Raiders will be better than Denver and will prove it on Sept. 8. We run better. We have better personnel to execute their own offense better than they do. Cutler is only one year more experienced and 4 times less talented than JaMarcus Russell. Their receivers are every bit as screwed up as ours but we have better TEs and RBs. Our run D is just as bad, but our pass D is better. Our kicking game is better. Their coach sits as much of his ass on the HotSeat as ours without the good sense of being young, cheap and promising.

    The Raiders are clearly much better than the Chiefs, they only match up with us in poor run D. I think you're just trying to make Raider fans mad to jack your comments.

    The Raiders running game will be top 3, better than pretty good. Darren McFadden will have a lot to do with it but not like you think. He won't carry for as many yards as Peterson last year but his receiving yards will give him more total yards and create room for Fargas and Bush. The Raiders will rush 600+ times this year.

    Thomas Howard is the best coverage linebacker in the league and Kirk Morrison would be All-Pro if his tackles could keeping offensive linemen off of him. Jay Richardson is a second year end who is becoming an everydown beast and would beat you silly with your own end.

    Michael Bush is the better fantasy sleeper than Fargas. He'll get the ball more than Fargas in short yardage and has the size and feet to score, something Fargas doesn't do.

    If the Raider front seven can be as good as average against the run this year then this is an 8-9 win team against a soft schedule. If the Patriots can't avoid the Super Bowl losers curse its 10 wins come December in Oakland.

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    • Greg Peterson 10 months ago

      BTW, Zach Miller is a better fantasy sleeper than Fargas or Bush. He's the only guy Russell has any confidence in and if he isn't kept in to block all the time he'll put up top 5 numbers at his position.

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    • Sean Crowe 10 months ago

      I put "expert" in quotes because I was being sarcastic.

      You're absolutely correct about Rich Kotite. I can't believe I forgot about him.

      I still think Kelly is way overpaid. I would have let him test the market. No way he gets that money anywhere else, even with the new CBA.

      Even if I give you all those points (Denver vs. Oakland), you still have to get past the fact that their head coach wants nothing more than to embarrass Al Davis every time they play you guys. And he seems to know how to do it.

      I love McFadden, I just hate your passing game.

      Jay Richardson can't get to the quarterback, your linebackers are not a threat to get to the quarterback, and your d-line is average at getting to the quarterback. That was my point. Wasn't a knock on them overall, just on their ability to get to the quarterback.

      Michael Bush hasn't played football in two years. I'll believe it when I see it.

      Like I said in one of the comments below, the schedule isn't as soft as it looks on paper because of the traveling. I think sevens wins, for a team that was in the mix for the top pick in the draft last season, would have to be considered successful. I can't see them winning any more than that.

      Thanks for the comment!

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    • Sean Crowe 10 months ago

      Oh, and I have Zach Miller in my top ten for TEs...so technically, he can't be considered a sleeper.

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  4. Raider Revenge Payback 10 months ago

    I tried so hard not to bit on this but damn I coudn't help it. This article contradicts paragraph after paragraph. You say Raiders have a good secondary but won’t stop the run. You must understand with this kind of shut down secondary there are more players in the box to stop the run not to mention it gives Ryan an upgraded blitz package. Your also very clueless about our linebackers WOW. You also have totally slept on Michael Bush the Raiders at minimal will lead the AFC West in rushing hands down. We Raiders are moving in a positive direction. (From the state of when Art Shell had this team til now is a complete transformation) Your wrong if you think that this team will not compete. Your just looking at the Raiders from 2002. Wake up the 2008 season starts in 2 weeks.

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  5. John Fennelly 10 months ago

    The Raiders can do the things that win championships - establish the run and play good defense. The problem with this team is when they play a team that shuts down their running game. JaMarcus Russell will have to pick up his game and that - to me - is a problem.

    The Raiders will play a lot of games like their first 2 pre-season games. Low-scoring affairs. They can win games like this, but I see them getting blown out a few times so they won't win more than 8 games.

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    • greg pitsch 10 months ago

      They will light up the score board if needed, plus We have no problem if Russell has to take over the game late. He can out throw any QB in the league, his accuracy is phenomenal, and once Walker gets his head out of his A$$, we will be lighting up 30+ every game...

      Let the ball roll where it does... Teams are hating because they are afraid of us now.

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    • Sean Crowe 10 months ago

      They can't stop the run or pass the ball. Two pretty significant problems.

      Greg, I admire your enthusiasm, but 30-plus points per game? You think their offense is Colts-like? Seriously?

      Show me one one guy on your offense who would start on the Colts...

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    • greg pitsch 10 months ago

      Darren McFadden? for one.

      We can stop the run, once our starters play the whole game, it will be over.

      I know we have a few problems with our wide receivers, but we can still pass the ball, the problem besides Curry and Miller, is catching the ball.

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    • Sean Crowe 10 months ago

      McFadden doesn't start over Joseph Addai, at least not this season...

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  6. P Moh 10 months ago

    Can't get very much wronger. Lets start off with defense
    nnamdi and hall will be the best CB tandem in the NFL. There, I said it. I'm about 90% sure it will be true. nnamdi has shown to be a lockdown corner, and Hall against number 2 WRs makes me feel bad for the WR. Then, huff has been put in his correct position, and is looking pretty good in it. It is preseason, but nevertheless it does give us a look at what we have. The WR situation isn't a good one. Unfortunately. Can't be much worse than last year... Javon has proven more than Porter ever has, he should at the very least post similar numbers. Running game. Top 3, bank on it. If we could hit number 6 with Fargas, Rhodes, and Jordan, imagine Fargas, McFadden, and Bush. Plus, the O-line has always been good with run blocking, and that includes Kwame. Gallery is in his second year at RG, and can only get better as he fits in.
    As to Denver being better than us, that is a laughable idea. Only thing they have better than us is the WR core. Which is a nonissue when we play them because our corners are incredible. Expect Curry to have a nice game against Bly

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    • Sean Crowe 10 months ago

      Denver's corners aren't exactly pushovers...

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    • P Moh 10 months ago

      did you just totaly decide not to read what i wrote and instead skip to the last sentence? I expect us to run all day and night on them. Curry with a few receptions against Bly, who is not only overated but just a slightly above average corner in my opinion

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  7. big ROC Stockton, CA 10 months ago

    You are out of your mind saying the Raiders' linebackers are "nothing to write home about." Kirk Morrison had 121 tackles, a sack, 10 pass defensed, and 4 interceptions. Thomas Howard also had a very solid season finishing with 96 tackles, a sack, and 6 interceptions. He also took two of those picks to the house.

    As for us being worst than Denver this year is absurd. We were a timeout, by Shanahan, away from sweeping the Broncos last season. We absolutely crushed them when they came to Oakland for the second game. The Chiefs made some decent moves but they still have Brodie Croyle at QB which is not a good thing since backup QB Damon Huard is better than him. Oh and when you get rid of your best player, Jared Allen, it usually doesn't make you better.

    I'll agree that SD is the front runner in the AFC West but they have injury questions that haven't been answered. LT is coming off a knee injury that he sustained this year in the playoffs. He is also approaching that 30 year old mark where most RBs sort of hit the wall. Losing Lorenzo Neal isn't going to help either. Antonio Gates has a bad big toe and that can't be good considering that toe will hamper his ability to jump and get off the line of scrimmage.

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    • Sean Crowe 10 months ago

      Offensive coordinators don't stay up nights worrying about how to beat the dreaded Raiders' linebackers.

      The Chargers are the favorites in the NFC West even if all of the injury questions remain a problem. They have too much depth, their defense is too good, and LT loves playing against you guys.

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    • P Moh 10 months ago

      You ain't an offensive coordinator, how would you know?
      And the chargers play in the AFC west

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  8. Chris X 10 months ago

    "Prediction

    Pretty much the same as last season, except they’ll win a couple more games. Nothing to write home about. They’re good for somewhere between five and seven wins.

    It’s sad to see what’s happened to one of the NFL’s best franchises. Here’s to hoping they get this thing fixed next offseason."

    Sean, you must have missed the part about the Raiders having one of the NFL's most difficult schedules last year (leading in 9 games in the 4th quarter) and now having one of the NFL's easiest schedules this year.

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    • Sean Crowe 10 months ago

      Chris,

      I have them losing to Denver twice, really that's the only place we all differ. I have them winning as many as seven games, I see most Raider fans have them winning around 9. If you say the Raiders sweep Denver instead of losing both games, I can see them winning 9 this season.

      I just don't think that's going to happen.

      I have them beating KC once, Atlanta, Miami, Baltimore, and Carolina.

      Also, on the strength of schedule, it only looks at last year's records. You still have three games against teams who played in the AFC Championship game last year, two games against the Broncos which are never easy, you have to go to KC which is never easy, you go cross-country to Miami, Buffalo, and Tampa...which is never easy.

      I just don't see 9, 10, 11 wins there. I see five, with an outside shot at seven.

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    • Chris X 10 months ago

      "They won’t be as good as Denver or San Diego.

      They might be as good as Kansas City."

      You forget that the Raiders were a timeout away from sweeping Denver last year. The Raider's easily beat the Bronco's by two scores in the second game playing 2 different quarterbacks. Furthermore, the Bronco's best player will be suspended for the first game against the Raiders. To suggest that the Raiders have not gained significant ground on the Broncos is without merit. It is one of the biggest rivalries in football so it is very difficult to predict but Gruden had his way with Shanahan and it is looking like Kiffin will do the same.

      Your thoughts on the Raiders and their off-season acquisitions can not yet be quantified. Everybody knocks the Tommy Kelly deal but everybody forgets that Tommy Kelly has been playing out of position (yielding to Sapp). Preseason is preseason, however, on numerous occassions I seem to recall seeing Kelly in the backfield of a Titans team with a very good offensive line last Friday night in the first quarter.

      Javon Walker is a case but I would place my money on the fact that he'll be ready to go against Denver on Monday night...with aholes like Walker Sports Center highlights motivate, not training camp drills.

      DeAngelo Hall will be playing the #2 receiver and will have his share of balls because there will not be any going the other way (as the last two seasons have shown)-he's a gambler/playmaker and the Raiders brought him in to make plays on balls thrown to #2 receivers. Furthermore, Hall is a great tackler and holds the corner point of attack in the stretch which has been a major issue for the Raiders.

      Kwame Harris was drafted in a ZBS and then the blocking scheme changed in SF. He is quietly a very effective, athletic run blocking tackle. He has not been a good pass blocker, however, 50% of the Raider's passing plays with Russell will be bootleg roll outs away from Harris.

      Sean, I have not written much in the way of articles until now because all that is written on this board is pure speculation. In two weeks, I will be writing articles. Let me put this in writing for you - the Raiders will have an improved run game, improved from the 6th best rushing attack in the NFL. They will also have as a result a slightly improved passing game. Any team who runs the ball as well as the Raiders should run it will be in alot of games.

      A five win prediction seems very uneducated to me.

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  9. David Quilici 10 months ago

    Hey I appreciate the article Sean! I'm a long time Raider fan so of course I'm optimistic! But at the same time, I think 7 wins is pretty realistic.
    The Raiders have been doing very little blitzing over the last few years, so getting to the quarterback is definitely a concern. Though according to Rob Ryan, they will be running more blitzing schemes, due to a much improved secondary no doubt.
    Stopping the run is still my primary concern for the Raiders defense. They have 2 solid linebackers in Morrison and Howard, but still have a big "?" on strongside linebacker, which of course is a big deal when it comes to run stuffing! And Tommy Kelly's contract was too big, at least at this point. If he steps up to the plate and plays as good as the money he's getting the d-line could be great. But that is still a big "IF". We'll see.
    The run game should be as good or better than last years running game, with keeping Fargas adding Mcfadden and Bush.
    The passing games is my concern. Jamarcus seems to be making great reads and throwing accurately while avoiding turnovers, but the receivievers (apart from Miller) are not impressive. As it stands I doubt any of the Raiders wide outs could start on other teams, except perhaps the Bears or Falcons. If Walker steps up the plate and plays like he is capable (or was capable of doing) that could be a dramatic increase. Curry is a solid possession receiver, but has injury problems more often than not, as does Walker. And Carter.
    I do the the Raiders will be the Broncos at least once, giving them 8 wins. The Raiders should be able to handle the season opener against Denver, who have 2 starters suspended in Travis Henry and Brandon Marshal. So we'll see. Also, I think they will beat Kansas City twice which could move them to 9 wins. But the veteran defense of Baltimore could exploit the Raiders young offense bring them back to 8 wins on my list. And if Hall has another mental breakdown against the Panthers Steve Smith that could prove a fatal game too. Though on paper I think they will win. So my bet is 7-9 wins. Let's see how it plays out shall we!?
    Thanks again for the article. It's good to see an outside opinion, whether I agree or not, that offers realistic analysis and not just Raider hatred.
    God bless you
    -David

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  10. greg pitsch 10 months ago

    We are going to eat horses on sept 8th. Monday Night in Oakland. There is absolutely no chance that the Broncos sweep us. We were in most of our games last year even when the team was running all over us, but this year teams are going to have to pass more, because they will be trailing.

    Sean are you just mad, because so far in the preseason we look better than the Patsy's you get in boston.

    And don't forget the game this year where the Pats come to Oakland, thats a win, for the silver an black.
    10 wins

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  11. Michael Dammer 10 months ago

    Tommy Kelly is gonna be a beast at the 3...

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  12. Dan Ferranti 10 months ago

    Nice article Sean. Any article that can make Turds fans whine so much is one worth reading. Though it has brought out a surprising number of admissions from Turds fans about weaknesses on their team. Odd.

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  13. Raider Card Addict 10 months ago

    Gotta wonder about the haters....bored, or don't want to look in their own neighborhoods at their own mistakes?
    First of all, talking about an epic freefall.....New England had the same record the Raiders do, 19-61, in 5 years....yep, how else did they draft Drew Bledsoe? A wonderful world called 1-15 will do that for you.
    Secondly, a lot of the article wants to deal with is bad contracts. All teams do the occasional bonehead. Ask Dan the Charger fan about Ryan Leaf's windfall....what was the return on that deal, x million dollars per win? And it's fun to point fingers at players now, considering this is the PRESEASON....nothing that happens in these games will be known, once the season starts....unless you're a stats junkie....and even then, there's therapy for that.
    Thirdly, I love how everyone wants to dump on Davis.....but they forget one thing. Did Al Davis tell Higgins to fumble? Did Al Davis tell Randy Moss to quit? No.....Did Al go out and try to find talent for his money? Yes, he did.
    Here's a question, if you think we're making bad deals....what team plunked down contracts for two guys who are circling the drain, one is at most a 3rd down tackler, and an out of shape running back?
    The Patriots.

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    • Chris X 10 months ago

      Great point on Lamont Jordan.

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    • Sean Crowe 10 months ago

      Lamont Jordan signed with the Pats for the veteran minimum plus incentives. No signing bonus, no guaranteed money. It's a no-risk signing.

      And, for the record, he seems to be in pretty good shape so far...

      The Tommy Kelly signing is bad because they could have had him for less. It's like drafting a guy in the first round that you could have had in the sixth round. Just because he becomes an all-pro, it doesn't all of a sudden become a good pick. It's money you could have spent to fill multiple holes, instead it fills one hole. With a guy coming off an injury. Who nobody else would have even considered giving that much money to.

      Kelly's value did not match the money he got. The good teams believe in value and stick to it. That's how that manage a salary cap and consistently keep a deep roster. The Colts, Pats, Chargers, etc.

      Maybe you're right. But you don't give $50 million for a maybe.

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    • Raider Card Addict 10 months ago

      Sean, if the Raiders looked bad for throwing 50 million(maybe), then what about the bears, who shelled out equal money for another Defensive lineman? Did they get any of the usual flak for their action? Of course not....they're not the Raiders.

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    • Sean Crowe 10 months ago

      I don't think anyone is predicting the Bears are going anywhere this season either. That said, they had to pony up the money for Harris because if they didn't, someone else would have.

      That's my beef here. Nobody else was giving Kelly $50 million. That's why it's a bad contract. It has nothing to do with them being the Raiders. A bad contract is a bad contract.

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    • Raider Card Addict 10 months ago

      Actually Sean, it's a bad contract, depending on what he does.
      If he goes out, pulls up lame, and is done for the year this week, ya, it's a bad deal.
      If he goes out, has 7 sacks, leads the league in tackles, makes the pro bowl, and makes Davis look like a genius, then it's a good deal.
      If you have some crystal ball, to tell me he's going to be injured, stop the presses, and prove it.
      Otherwise, it's a guess. Just like the guess that Randy Moss was going to help us in Oakland.

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  14. Jonathan Holland 10 months ago

    This is somthing to watch, Kelly v. Glenn Dorsey. A lot of "experts" projected that the Raiders were going pick Dorsey before the Kelly signing. If the Raiders were to pick Dorsey, then they would have to pay even more money to Dorsey than the Chiefs did at 4. I think that Kelly will be more game ready than Dorsey will this year. Personnally I feel it is retarded that rookies get paid more than veterens when thay have not earned it. There were not a lot of DT's in FA this year. What other DT's in FA would you have signed? As said above, Sapp gave his endorsement to the Kelly signing, but I guess you disagree with Warren Sapp? WOW, guys for B/R are more qualified than a guy who just got a commentary job. So if Kelly outshines Dorsey for the next three years, then the Kelly contract will be worth it? Disagree?

    Glenn Dorsey
    The contract will total $51 million with $23 million guaranteed. Over 5 years.

    Kelly
    Signed a seven-year, $50.5 million contract that has $18.125 million in guarantees. In the first three years of the deal, he will make $25.125 million.

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    • Sean Crowe 10 months ago

      I don't disagree with Sapp. I disagree with the money. See my comments above.

      I challenge you to find a single article anywhere praising the Tommy Kelly signing (not the player, the contract). It's a bad contract. It's the type of contract that gets teams in salary cap trouble down the road.

      I agree that rookie contracts are out of whack, but Kelly's contract is still bad. Pointing out other bad contracts doesn't make the one he signed any better.

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    • Chris X 10 months ago

      Just like you, nobody who writes articles understands that Kelly has been playing out of position his entire career. Furthermore, how do you know that the Raiders were the only team to offer him $18.125 million in guaranteed money?

      If the Raiders run defense improves this year, it was a good deal.

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  15. greg pitsch 10 months ago

    Sean why don't you stick to writing about teams you follow, don't just write an article that is biased, ill-informed, and has no accreditatiion to it whatsoever? STick to your Patsy's and write what a disappointment Tom Brady is going to be when he returns, or how the Red Sox gave away a top five Player for Jason Bay? How about an article about how the Pat's will never follow suit on what happened last year. Because we could, write about how horrible the Pat's are going to be, but we stick to credible stories. Stop making stuff like this seem realistic.

    We are happy with our team, and it will never change. How many bandwagon fans have ya'll lost far?

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    • Sean Crowe 10 months ago

      It's amazing that no matter what, if someone writes something bad about the Raiders you think it's biased.

      I took a beating last year for saying they were going to finish last in the AFC West...how'd that work out?

      If you want to have a debate, fine. I like a good debate. As a matter of fact, I'd love to do a point-counterpoint article with any willing Raider fan (or fan of any team, for that matter).

      But don't pretend what I said here isn't a) relatively well informed and b) in line with what most of the "experts" think is going to happen in Oakland.

      I remember the pre-Drew Bledsoe Patriots. I was the same way you are. I latched on to every free agent move, I played the "we played everyone close last year" card, I predicted a playoff run every season, and a yelled and screamed every time someone said something bad about the Pats.

      Of course, I was 12 at the time...

      It's all opinion. None of it matters. I'm rooting for the Raiders. I just don't think they're going to be any good. Would you rather everyone just pretend we loved everything the Raiders did this off-season?

      I'm not out to piss anyone off. It's just an honest opinion. I kind of assume that's why people read articles here...to see other people's opinions. Otherwise, what's the point in reading stuff here?

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    • M VH 10 months ago

      Because he gets more attention from bashing the Raiders.

      Psuedo even handed.

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  1. Mike 10 months ago

    great article most of what you write is very well written and with a lot of thought keep up the good work i got them going 6-10 at best

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  2. jordan broussard 10 months ago

    sean..even though I'll be content with 8 wins I disagree with some of your comments. Our two linebackers (kirk morrison/thomas howard) are potential pro-bowlers so I have 2 disagree with your comments on our linebacking core. Also, there's no way Denver is better than Oakland..cmon we killed them at oaktown last year,they haven't gotten any better. Their only weapon is Brandon Marshall and he won't be on the field for the home opener..you should start writhing about how the pats d looks tired and old who couldn't compete with the bucs offense with their 2nd string qb haha..their offense won't be able 2 carry them all year..its time the pats arrogance and big heads comes back and bites them in the ass. Your offense will b elite but won't b able 2 carry them 2 the super bowl..Sorry..teams have learned how to exploit the pats..your team has gotten 2 cocky and it showed in the superbowl when the giants came out and knocked Brady on his ass..I've never seen Brady play so scared against an opposing d-line like that..pats won't see a superbowl appearance this year

    Jordan

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    • Sean Crowe 10 months ago

      I don't think the Pats are going to the Super Bowl either this season. I also think their secondary is a potential issue that teams can exploit.

      They'll have a big record, but they aren't a playoff style team. I have the Chargers winning the AFC.

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  3. Ricky T 10 months ago

    I don't know how many wins the Raiders will have this year, but it will probably be a bunch. I do know one thing. We dominated the 49ers in our first game and we can beat them down anytime we want. If that's the only win we get all year it will still be a great season.

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  4. Jeff McMaster 10 months ago

    Pretty good article on the state of the Raiders Sean. Many have looked at Kelly's past achievements to define his current contract and come to the same conclusion. It makes sense on the surface, but I think the conclusion is wrong. Bellichick on Tommy Kelly...

    "Tommy Kelly. is one of the best defensive linemen in the league. He's an outstanding player…Kelly plays everywhere. He's a little bit like Howie Long in that Howie Long was a guy that they would move along on the front. They would take Howie and mismatch him against whoever they thought the other team's worst lineman was. There is a little bit of that with Tommy Kelly..."

    Kelly is dominant at the tackle spot, and so far in the pre-season he's showed that's not a fairy tale story. He's not it the greatest condition due to his shortened off-season with the knee injury, and the Raiders felt they had to pay him to keep him. But so far while he's been on the field he crushing the pocket on every down.

    Unfortunately the Raiders have been so weak DE the last couple of years it necessitated using Kelly out there because none of the other DT could play outside. The Raiders weren't going to sit Sapp to play Kelly, so he played out of position most of the time.

    Kwame Harris may end up being a steal. He was in the wrong system for his abilities in SF, and as soon as he hit the market Tom Cable was begging the Raiders to bring him in. Cable is an enormous talent as a line coach, and by all appearances he is turning Harris into a stud. The biggest problems with the Raider O-line in recent years has been coaching quality and consistency. Cable turned them around in one year and took them from the nightmare of 2006 to 6th in the NFL in rushing last year. Everybody said Gallery was a bust, but Cable put him at guard and he had an excellent year last year, and could be Pro-Bowl caliber this year playing alongside Harris.

    As for Walker, I think Al Davis had on a couple of pairs of rose colored glasses. Walker is a serious talent, but tragically that whole issue with Darent Williams dying in his arms may have really put the nail in his mental coffin. He's been acting out in typical fashion for someone suffering from post traumatic stress, including putting himself right back in danger in Vegas doing the same things that lead to Williams killing. The raiders greatest investment in him could very well be a psychologist to help turn him around mentally. Not only would that benefit the team, but it would be the humane thing to do.

    One final thing to touch on, don't be too swayed by the total dollar value of any Raiders contract . The Raiders are notorious for giving out HUGE contracts that are severely back-loaded. The final years of these contracts are usually filled with enormous salary that the team never intends to pay.They usually re-structure, or release. They've been doing it for years, and for years the national media ignores that fact and lambastes them for it. I guess it just makes a good read.

    If you look at how these current contracts are set up you'll see that the Raiders were betting on an upcoming uncapped year due to the voiding of the bargaining agreement. They expect that year to swallow up a lot of the signing bonus and salary these of these contracts. That was actually a pretty savvy move on their parts. Davis sold off a chunk of the team last year to get cash flow and he spent a bunch of it on these players.

    A friend of mine posted something on a recent sighting of Al Davis entering the Coliseum for the SF game. He says the guy looks terrible, and isn't long for this world, and that's in comparison to what we've seen of him in recent years, he's going downhill fast. He spending his ass off to try to win as fast as possible, and obviously he's pretty desperate.

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  5. Michael Miller 10 months ago

    You hit the nail on the head. The secondary is their strength and even it's questionable when Hall loses concentration, which he did often in Atlanta. I think McFadden gets worked so hard this season he questions his team's commitment to him next year as he worries about his long term career- and that's assuming he stays healthy this year. He averaged 4 yards a carry against SF, not exactly a dominant performance against a less than great defense. The Raiders spent so much money this off season it begs the question: Is Al Davis in his twilight and giving it one last push of desperation? I think so. Javon Walker played the canary in the mine recently when he mentioned retirement. The whole Raider depth chart will be kicking themselves for signing those enormous contracts when they realize no amount of money can buy a Super Bowl victory. The only thing better than a Raider loss is a Bronco win, and it looks like it's gonna be a good year!

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    • Chris X 10 months ago

      Wrong. Our running game is our strength, our secondary gives us the ability to make games we play a battle of the running offenses. With Nalen out our running game with our stable of backs is the clear leader over Denver's.

      Gruden dominated Shanahan and only a well executed time out prevented Kiffin from doing the same with a sweep last year. It should be clear to you that the Raiders have stolen the momentum back as was evidenced by the two stomping in the coliseum (playing two qb's - just to give Russell a little taste).

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    • Chris X 10 months ago

      excuse me "two score stomping."

      The Denver dream days of Norv Turner/Art Shell/Tom Walsh are over in Oakland. Back to reality.

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  6. Paul Peszko 10 months ago

    Hey, Sean, I wrote pretty much the same thing about a month or two ago and got crucified for it by Raider Nation. You're absolutely right. Uncle Al grossly overpaid for free agents and did not get his money's worth. Also, if he would leave Lane Kiffin alone and let him coach, we would all see a much improved Raider's team.

    Yes, there's a good possibility, if things go right, that they can win a few more games than last year. But that will still only make them 7-9. And that means six consecutive losing seasons. It's a shame how far this team has fallen.

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  7. M VH 10 months ago

    Get ready for a Raider resurge. back in the hunt by 2010.

    The Broncos are in waaaay worse shape than the Raiders. Running back by committe maybe but already dinged.

    Haven't figured out what they're going to do about defense.

    Bly is over rated and Bailey's getting older.

    Will give you Cutler and Roayl. Marshall will get himself suspended again.

    Walker may have been a mistake, but we'll get a decent indication Sept 8th in oakland

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  8. jim johnson 10 months ago

    Just throwing this out there for some thought. What if we didn't sign Javon or DeAngelo, and used that money to trade for Anquan Boldin. In all reality we need a wide receiver more then a db and in my opinion Javon will just be another overpaid player who takes his money and parties.

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    • P Moh 10 months ago

      In fairness to Javon, when he realised he wasn't as good as he used to, he offered back the money to retire. Doesn't sound like he was going to take the money and party. And do you have any idea what it would take to get Boldin from Arizona? They don't intend on trading him, plus his contract would be huge as well. When we signed Walker, he was the only legitimate option there was. Who would you have picked at that time. It might not have been the right move (javon please prove me wrong) but it was the only move. and did you not see fabian getting burned all of last season? one play against the bears come to mind, where they beat us in the last minute with a bomb to berrian who burned fabs. Won't happen with Hall. Those games where we are leading the 4th quarter and other teams need to pass just got much harder for opposing QBs. Not to mention Aso and Hall can both play man. They don't need help, allowing us to put Gibril in the box. Gibril and Hall together i thought was a brilliant move. Either signing alone would have been fine, but this works out so much better. With Hall and Aso on their receivers, Gibril can blitz or help our Run Defense out. And Huff can be the ballhawk he is supposed to be

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  9. Philip Fitch 10 months ago

    When it comes to saying how good the raiders will be this year is hard to say, one thing is clear, they will be better than any raiders team to take the field in the last 5 years. I would think it would be safe to say the raiders will be an 8-8 team in 2008, that could go two games ether way, 6-10 or 10-6. It will all depend on the heath of the team, turnovers, penalties, stopping the run and the play of Russell. If they stay healthy, create turnovers and Play bend don't break on defence, keep the penalties down, protect Russell and keep him from making costly turnovers, the raiders will have a winning season.

    The first 4 games of the season againts Denver, KC, Buffalo and San Diego will give the raiders a good indication witch way this team is headed. Those 4 teams rate from tough, good, to poor. I say if the raiders are 3-1 in the first 4 games, they have a great shot at finishing at 10-6, if they are 2-2 i say they go 8-8 to 9-7. if they go 1-3 looks like a 6-10 season. So far in preseason with the starters in, the raiders defence looks pretty solid and the running game should be one of the best in the NFL, i am not counting out the raiders receivers just yet, New QB, new receivers take time to build a chemistry, we don't need a 1000 yard WR to be successful, just out of the group, in between 500 to 700 yards from 3 of them,TE Miller will have about 700 yard himself, with the running backs getting in to the passing game for over 1000 yards. I believe the raiders running backs will have close to 3000 yards this season in the running game. With that said, they should come in second place in the division only behind San Diego, and a shot at a wild card playoff birth.

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  10. Philip Fitch 10 months ago

    When it comes to saying how good the raiders will be this year is hard to say, one thing is clear, they will be better than any raiders team to take the field in the last 5 years. I would think it would be safe to say the raiders will be an 8-8 team in 2008, that could go two games ether way, 6-10 or 10-6. It will all depend on the heath of the team, turnovers, penalties, stopping the run and the play of Russell. If they stay healthy, create turnovers and Play bend don't break on defence, keep the penalties down, protect Russell and keep him from making costly turnovers, the raiders will have a winning season.

    The first 4 games of the season againts Denver, KC, Buffalo and San Diego will give the raiders a good indication witch way this team is headed. Those 4 teams rate from tough, good, to poor. I say if the raiders are 3-1 in the first 4 games, they have a great shot at finishing at 10-6, if they are 2-2 i say they go 8-8 to 9-7. if they go 1-3 looks like a 6-10 season. So far in preseason with the starters in, the raiders defence looks pretty solid and the running game should be one of the best in the NFL, i am not counting out the raiders receivers just yet, New QB, new receivers take time to build a chemistry, we don't need a 1000 yard WR to be successful, just out of the group, in between 500 to 700 yards from 3 of them,TE Miller will have about 700 yard himself, with the running backs getting in to the passing game for over 1000 yards. I believe the raiders running backs will have close to 3000 yards this season in the running game. With that said, they should come in second place in the division only behind San Diego, and a shot at a wild card playoff birth.

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  11. jeff fowler 10 months ago

    We all know Kiffin would be in Arkansas if Petrino didn't get the job. he is just waiting his time. It sucks being a Raider fan knowing that this young crop of talent is going to be waisted because just like the past years we are going to have another coach in hear as soon as kiffin finds his next job.

    if we win in the next couple of years it's not going to be because of coaching, it's going to be because of talent dispite the coaching staff.

    I really feel sorry for Jamarcus, as soon as he starts to look good we are going to change the offinse on him. I feel he is going to be an exeptional QB but extremly uncomfortable with all the new changes we know are going to come.

    I hope I'm wrong.

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  12. Philip Fitch 10 months ago

    Jeff, that would depend if the assistant coaches also leave. They could run the same type offence if coach Knapp stays on.

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  13. MJ Kasprzak 10 months ago

    I'm not even reading these other comments. If you want traffic, write about the Raiders. But that doens't make them the most passionate fans--that distinction belongs to us (Packers fans). Only we have sold out every game on seasoin tickets alone, including in a 25-year span when the team was by and large not trying to field a winner (21 non-winning seasons). But Cheeseheads sure don't scour the net like Raiders fans, and I put their passion #2.

    Don't let Bryan thiel diss you, dude! ('course, it brought me here). I agree with basically everything else you said except the following:
    The Raiders have such an easy schedule, it would be hard for them not to win 6 or 7.
    Walker is a headcase, but he was going to retire because he felt he jeapordized his ability to perform under the contract. That's actually admirable.

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