Bleacher Report - Articles by Derek Courtney

Breaking News: Darrius Heyward-Bey to Sign Five-Year Deal with Oakland Raiders

Derek Courtney — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:11:09 -0400

Oakland wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey has agreed to terms on a five-year deal, according to his agent, Ben Dogra. He has not signed the contract but is expected to on Friday when he reports to training camp in Napa Valley, Calif. The Raiders started practice Thursday.

DHB is only the fifth player taken in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft to be expected to sign, as of now.

With all of the draft picks signed from this year’s draft and in camp, (with the exception of Stryker Sulak, who got waived), and DHB ready to sign on Friday, it’s time to roll, Raider Nation.

Thank God we stayed away from Michael Crabtree.

What do you think Raider Nation?

Jacksonville Jaguars: Who'll be David Garrards' Play Maker in 2009?

Derek Courtney — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 01:42:31 -0400

Since the departure of Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell, to say the Jaguars wide receivers have been dismal, would be an under statement. Ernest Wilford and Reggie Williams never really materialized. Matt Jones showed potential at times, but couldn't stay out of trouble, and Jerry Porter was an absolute embarrassment. With Torry Holt in the fold now, and some other promising young talent at wide receiver, who'll be David Garrards' playmaker in 2009?

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My Five Favorite Funny Quotes From Former Raider Players and Coaches.

Derek Courtney — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:04:58 -0400

The Oakland Raider organization has had plenty of colorful characters through the years. I wanted to give a quick list of some of my personal favorite funny quotes from Raider players and coaches. I originally was going to do the whole piece on Madden but I figured that would be to easy. I did however, add a couple of his famous quotes to this list. Let me know what you think. Also, let me know some of your favorite quotes from Raider players and coaches, or any sports figure for that matter.

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Remembering Archie Manning: What He Meant to The New Orleans Saints

Derek Courtney — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:50:23 -0400

Archie Manning was the starting quarterback at Ole Miss for three years. In the first national primetime broadcast of a college football game (1969), Manning threw for 436 yards and three touchdowns, also rushing for 104 yards, in a 33-32 loss to Alabama. That 540-yard performance is still tied for the SEC record for most total yards in a game.

But despite Manning's considerable talent, the rest of the team was not at his level, and the Rebels only had a record of 15-7 in his last two years. In his college career, Manning threw for 4,753 yards and 56 touchdowns and ran for 823.5 yards. He scored 14 touchdowns in 1969. In both 1969 and 1970, he was named to the All-SEC team and his #18 jersey was retired by Ole Miss.

After his college career at Ole Miss, Manning was drafted in the 1971 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints with the second overall selection.

Manning played for the Saints for 10 full seasons, none of them winning. In 1972, he led the league in pass attempts and completions and led the NFC in passing yards, though the team's record was only 2–11–1. In 1978, he was named the NFC Player Of The Year after leading the Saints to a 7–9 record. That same year, Archie was also named All-NFC by both the UPI and The Sporting News.

Manning was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1978 and 1979. He went on to conclude his career with the Houston Oilers (1982-1983), and the Minnesota Vikings (1983–1984), where the teams posted a collective record of 6-35.

He ended his 13-year career having completed 2,011 of 3,642 passes for 23,911 yards and 125 touchdowns, with 173 interceptions. He also rushed for 2,197 yards and 18 touchdowns.

His 2,011 completions ranked 17th in NFL history upon his retirement. His record as a starter was 35–101–3 (26 percent), the worst in NFL history among QB's with at least 100 starts.

Oakland Raiders, Linebacker Edition: Who'll Start at Stronside LB?

Derek Courtney — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:56:13 -0400

With the exception of Nnamdi Asomugha, the Oakland Raiders Linebackers have been the lone bright spot on a dismal defense the past few seasons.

The past three seasons Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard have provided excitement and big plays almost on a regular basis.

However, the duo of Morrison and Howard need to find one more guy to complete their trio.

This past season the Raiders rotated between Ricky Brown, Sam Williams and Jon Alston. Which one of these guys will step up and provide Howard and Morrison with the help they've been needing? Or, will it be rookie Frantz Joseph?

Let's take a look at the second level of the Raiders defense.

OLB, weakside, Thomas Howard: Howard will be entering his 4th season with the Raiders. So far, he's shown the ability to make tackles in the open field and an even greater ability in coverage.

In 2008, Howard had 97 tackles and one interception. In his three seasons with Oakland Howard only has two sacks due to Rob Ryan only blitzing once in a blue moon. In 2007, Howard was snubbed from the Pro Bowl when he had 95 tackles, 11 passes defended, and six interceptions. Two of which he returned for touchdowns.

MLB, Kirk Morrison: Kirk Morrison has been the motor for the defense since arriving in Oakland in 2005. The only criticism Morrison gets is that he isn't able to shed blockers as well as you would want him to. You could also attribute some of that to the poor play of the front four in recent years. But, make no mistake, if Morrison gets his hands on the ball carrier he will make the tackle.

Morrison has started all but one game in his four previous seasons with the Raiders. In those four seasons he has accumulated 498 tackles, three sacks, and seven interceptions. With all of Morrisons stellar play he has yet to see a Pro Bowl.

OLB, strongside, ??? I'm gonna leave this one up to debate. Who do you think should start for the Raiders at OLB. Should it be one of the guys from last season, Sam Williams, Ricky Brown, or Jon Alston? Does anyone think that the "Feel Good Story" of Frantz Joseph will have a chance at cracking the starting roster? That's who I'm pulling for.

Let me know what you think, who should the Raiders other starting linebacker be?

The Oakland Raiders, Offensive Line: The Big Uglys'

Derek Courtney — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:32:42 -0400

The Oakland Raiders have been dreadful at the line of scrimmage for the past few seasons. Much of this is due to the, "revolving door policy", at head coach. With Robert Gallery finally finding a home at Left Guard, and Mario Hendersons coming out party at the end of last season, it seems the Raiders have found someone to protect Jamarcus Russells blind-side. Even if some of the guys like Henderson don't perform up to expectation the Raiders have one thing this season that they haven't had in a while....depth. With the addition of guys like Samson Satele, Kalif Barnes, and Erik Pears the Raiders are going into this season with with high hopes for the O-Line.

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Oakland Raiders: Offense (Part One of Two)

Derek Courtney — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:33:20 -0400

This time of year, every year, I get amped up about the Oakland Raiders. I think of all the things that went wrong the year before, and what they've done in the off-season to fix it. This usually ends up with me screaming at my t.v. every Sunday from September to the beginning of January. Well, it's that time of year again!! I want to take the time to go over the offensive side of the ball and look at some guys that are going to be key for the Raiders success this season. If I've left someone out that you think sould have been there, let me know.

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When Is it Time For a Fighter to Call It Quits?

Derek Courtney — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:27:05 -0400

Who's decision is it when a fighter has had enough?

When Chuck Liddell lost to Mauricio "Shogun" Rua on april 18, at UFC 97 , it seemed his retirement speech had already been prepared by Dana White.

I realize Chuck has lost four of his last five fights. I know Dana White has to look out for the best interest of the fighters. But for Dana to just come out and say Chuck was done so soon after the fight was a little harsh in my opinion.

I felt he should have gave it some time and if Liddell was ready to hang it up, then let him make that call. It seems like he was pressured in to it.

After watching post fight interviews and reading other articles, I got the impression that Chuck wants to contiue fighting. If he wants to, doesn't he deserve that option?

Chuck Liddell is one of the biggest reasons for the UFC's popularity. His trilogy with Randy Couture captavated half the nation. He has an entire list of wins against some of the UFC's best.

Chuck Liddell maybe past his prime, but doesn't he deserve to go out on his own terms? After all he's done for the UFC and Dana White, shouldn't he be the one that says it's time to quit?

Will Chuck fight for another organization before he's ready to say goodbye? Let me know what you think.

Oakland Raiders 2009 Schedule (pt. 4 of 4)

Derek Courtney — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 14:00:37 -0400

We'll conclude this look at the 2009 schedule by looking at the last 4 games of the season.

*Prediction* At this point in the season the Oakland Raiders will be, 5-7.

Week 14, Washington

The last time the Raiders met the Redskins was 2005. The outcome was a, 16-13, win for the Raiders.

By this time in the season the Raiders should be finding their stride. This could be a game the Raiders will have a chance to win, if, by week 14 they've managed to find a way to stop the run. If not, expect Clinton Portis to have a field-day.

If they get him off to a hot that will open things up for Jason Campbell. If they're able to minimize the damage from Portis they'll put extra pressure on Campbell which should play into the Raiders favor.

*Raiders win another close one, 20-17.

Week 15, at Denver

I mentioned earlier that the Raiders had a chance to sweep a division opponent (the Chiefs) for the first time since 2001. I feel they will also have an opportunity to do the same to the Broncos.

Josh Mcdaniels will have a lot of talent on his roster this year. However, putting it all together, and finding a viable starter at quarterback will take some time. This will give Oakland the opportunity to sweep Denver for the first time since 2002.

*Raiders win in Mile High, 27-13.

Week 16, at Cleveland

The Raiders and Browns last played in 2005 with the Raiders coming out on top, 26-24. This will be Oaklands first trip to Cleveland since 2003.

This will be a very interesting game. One, because Mangini will make this Browns team better. They have a good core group of guys and 2 stellar options at quarterback. Two, we get to see what Rob Ryan can do with another defense.

My guess, Clevelands defense will not be that strong.

*We finally reap the benefits of Rob Ryans defense, Raiders win, 34-24.

Week 17, Baltimore

The Raiders went to Baltimore last season and got thrashed, 27-10. The Ravens and Raiders have played five times with the Raiders only winning one.

Baltimore will be building off the success of last season. With another year under Joe Flaccos belt expect the Ravens to make a push for the playoffs. Even without Rex Ryan calling the shots the Ravens defense will be to much for Jamarcus Russell to handle.

*Raiders fall to Baltimore two years in a row, 27-13.

Oakland Raiders 2009 Schedule (pt. 3 of 4)

Derek Courtney — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:32:07 -0400

"No Rest for the Weary." Oakland will have little room for error this season with such a tough schedule. Now we'll take a look at weeks 9 through 13.

Week 9, Bye Week:

Week 10, Kansas City: The Raiders will come off their bye week to face another division opponent. Another critical game for the Raiders if they have any hope of staying alive in the division race.

This year the Raiders have a legitimate chance to sweep a division opponent. The last time they swept the Chiefs was in 2001. Look for Todd Haley to go through a little bit of a learning curve his first season at head coach. Expect Matt Cassel to struggle at first until he gets a feel for the new offense. Add it all together and it should equal another Raider win.

Week 11, Cincinnati: The last time the Bengals and Raiders faced off was 2006 with Cincinnati winning, 27-10. This will be the Bengals first trip to Oakland since 2003.

This should be another winnable game for the Raiders. Cincinnati is coming off a poor season filled with ocho-cinco drama. Carson Palmer will be looking to bounce back after sitting out most of last season due to injury. It might take time for him to get back into sync. With T.J. Houshmandzadeh out of the fold and Chad Johnson being a diva, it could make for a tough year for Palmer.

Week 12, at Dallas: The last time the Dallas Cowboys came to Oakland was 2005 in a game the Raiders won, 19-13. Oakland leads the series between the two teams 6-3.

Not a game that looks to play in Oaklands favor. The Cowboys will be one of the front runners in the NFC this year. Without T.O. creating a side-show, Tony Romo will be able to focus on other receivers and not feel pressure to always get the ball to just one guy. In the end, Marion Barber and Felix Jones will be the nail in the Raiders coffin.

Week 13, at Pittsburgh: The Raiders were able to defeat the Steelers in 2006 in a game where the Raiders could not move the ball on offense at all. A Chris Carr interception that was returned for a touchdown proved to be the game winner for the Raiders.

This has the potential to be an ugly game. The Raiders will be out-matched on both sides of the ball. Even though the run game will prove to be the biggest strength for the Raiders this year, the Steelers defense will be to much for a young JaMarcus Russell and the Raider running backs. Don't expect "Big Ben" to have the same trouble moving the ball like he did last time.

Oakland Raiders 2009 Schedule (pt. 2 of 4)

Derek Courtney — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:30:22 -0400

Picking up where we left off, today we'll look at weeks 5 through 8. After having a tough test in the first four weeks the next four will not prove to be any easier.

Week 5, at N.Y. Giants

The Raiders are playing the Giants for the first time since 2005, and going to Giant Stadium for the first time since 2001.

This game will come down to defense in my opinion. Nnamdi Asomugha and Chris Johnson will not allow the Giants young receivers to make an impact. If Oaklands front seven can slow down Brandon Jacobs and Amad Bradshaw, Eli Manning shouldn't be a factor.

Then, it'll be up to McFadden, Russell, Bush, Fargas and which ever receiver that decides to step up. The Raiders could surprise a few people this game.

Week 6, Philadephia

The Raiders and Eagles last met in 2005 with the Raiders losing to a David Akers field goal. This will be the Eagles first trip to Oakland since 1995.

At first glance, this doesn't appear to be a game that will favor the Raiders. The Eagles will have a stout defense as usual and that will pose problems for a young Jamarcus Russell. In recent years the Raiders haven't done so well against quarterbacks that have the ability to make plays outside the pocket.

That will make McNabb a nightmare for the Raiders. Add Brain Westbrook to the mix and it looks to be a long day for Raider Fans.

Week 7, N.Y. Jets

This will be the second year in a row the Jets will make the trip the Oakland. The Raiders won last year in over-time, 16-13.

Another game Oakland should be able to pull out. The Jets are going through some coaching changes with Rex Ryan this year. Although I feel Ryan will make a great head coach, it will take some time.

Now that Favre is gone the Jets will have issues at quarterback untill Sanchez gets a feel for things. Again, if the front seven can step up and slow down Thomas Jones this will be another game the Raiders should win.

Week 8, at San Diego

This will be the second time in eight weeks Oakland will face the Chargers. If Oakland has any hope of getting the AFC West title this year they will have to beat San Diego at least one time this season.

I hate to keep "running this into the ground" however, this will be another game that will depend on Oaklands front seven. If John Marshall can figure out what Rob Ryan couldn't figure out the defense could be a force. It all comes down to the Raiders stopping the run.

Oakland Raiders 2009 Schedule (pt.1 of 4)

Derek Courtney — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:52:32 -0400

This year Oakland will open its season up with three division games in a row. This will give them the opportunity to really make a statement this year in the AFC west or get a head start at being at the bottom of the division, again.

Oakland has not done so well in season openers for the past few years. The last opening season win the Raiders had was in 2002 against the San Diego Chargers. With losses to Denver in 08, Detroit in 07, San Diego in 06, New England in 05, Pittsburgh in 04, and Tennessee in 03, it's extremely important that the Oakland Raiders get started on the right foot in 2009.

I wanted to take a look at each game individually and see how the Oakland Raiders might stack up against the competition this year.

Week 1, San Diego: This will be a tough one. The Oakland Raiders have lost 11 straight games to the San Diego Chargers. The last win over the Chargers dates back to September 28, 2003 when the Raiders defeated the Chargers, 34-31.

I doubt this is the year Oakland gets over the San Diego hump. LaDainian Tomlinson has been Oaklands worst nightmare since being drafted by the Chargers. He's made Oakland's run-defense look like a joke. (Well, everyone has; but him in particular.)

The good news for the Raiders is that L.T. has seemed to have lost a step over the past couple years. Bad news, Darren Sproles has really stepped it up. So, in Week 1 look for more of the same.

Week 2, Kansas City: This is a game that Oakland could win. Like most of the AFC West the Chiefs are in a rebuilding period. The Chiefs will have new coaches and a new quarterback. Larry Johnson, (another Raiders nightmare), is another running back that seems to be on the decline. The should prove to work in Oaklands favor.

Oakland was able to beat Kansas City in Arrow Head last year, 23-8 in Week 2, but fell short the second time last season when the Chiefs came to Oakland and escaped with a 20-13, win duringWweek 13.

Week 3, Denver: Always a tough matchup for the Raiders. However, Denver is another AFC West team that is looking to rebuild. Losing Mike Shanahan was the best thing a Raider fan could hope for. Also, with the lose of Jay Cutler, the Broncos will be in search of a new starting quarterback. (Raider Fans can thank Josh Mcdaniels for that.)

The Raiders opened up the season last year against the Broncos only to get bashed—A 41-14 beat-down. They were able to return the favor later in the season by going to Mile High Stadium Week 12 and leaving with a 31-10, victory.

Week 4, Houston: This will be another tough test for the Oakland Raiders. Until last season, Oakland was 0-3 against the Texans all-time. The Texans are a team on the rise. Look for them to make an impact in the AFC South in 2009.

The Raiders were able to come up with an impressive win during Week 16 last season beating the Texans 27-16, at McAfee Coliseum. A game where Nnamdi and Chris Johnson were able to shut down one of the leagues premier receivers in Andre Johnson.

If the Raiders can get off to a hot start and win 3 of their first 4 games, it could set the tempo for a good season. If not, they could be looking at another season dwelling the bottom of the division.

Time For Tommy Kelly to Earn His Paycheck.

Derek Courtney — Sat, 23 May 2009 13:57:26 -0400

Before the start of the 2007 season, the Oakland Raiders made Tommy Kelly the highest paid defensive tackle in the league.

A seven year, $50.5 million contract with $18 million in guarantees shocked a lot of people, including Raider fans.

Kelly matched his best single-season sack total in 2008. He had 4.5 sacks—not that impressive.

With a few kind words from Warren Sapp this guy became a star overnight.

In the 2005 season, the Raiders decided to switch back to the 4-3 defense, Kelly moved from defensive end to tackle.

During week nine in a game against Kansas City, Kelly racked up three sacks. This excited Raiders coaches and fans alike.

However, the hype was short lived. Since getting the extension, Kelly has been sub-par at best. Missing most of the 2007 season due to injury, Kelly has racked up only 5.5 sacks since getting his big payday.

On September 15, Kelly was arrested for DUI after a win against the Chiefs.

Again, not what you're expecting from a guy you thought was gonna anchor the middle of the line. Another overpaid player that didn't work out like they thought it would. It seems to be a common theme for the Raiders.

If Oakland's defense hopes to make any progress stopping the run and getting pressure on the quarterback, it's got to start with Tommy Kelly.

Warren and Sands are rotation guys at best. With no other real help at the tackle spot, Kelly will have to be the presence in the middle by himself. That will be the only way Warren on Sands will be able to be productive.

If not, expect more of the same from the run defense. Until Oakland can address this need, I feel they will continue to struggle stopping running backs.

Why Jeff Garcia Will Get His Chance to Start

Derek Courtney — Thu, 21 May 2009 19:53:48 -0400

We all know at the start of the season, Jamarcus Russell will be the guy taking the snaps. However, a slow start could cost him his job for the season.

Reports are flying out of Oakland about how bad Russell has been looking during mini-camps and now OTA's.

His accuracy is not where it needs to be. His timing is off. Balls should not be hitting the ground during practice.

Some of this could be because he's only in his third year now, and only has one year as a starter. It just seems to me that a guy that has been in the league for three years now should be a little more in sync, at least in practice.

He doesn't even have to worry about contact in practice. Why can't he find his receivers?

His weight has always been an issue. I never wanted to buy into all that hype, but check out this picture. Look at his gut. He looks to have man-boobs. Look, I realize he's bigger than the average guy, but I feel his play on the field will continue to be sluggish, much like his body, if he doesn't do something different.

Was Kiffin right when he didn't want to draft Russell?

I was on the whole Jamarcus Russell kick when we drafted him. Now I'm not so sure. Have you seen the way he does interviews with the media? With his fur coat and sun shades. It just seems he has a since of self-entitlement that has yet to be earned.

I really hope that I'm wrong. I was very pro-Russell when we drafted him. My faith in him is starting to slip though. It's probably hard to recover from a 70 million dollar mistake.

At least we have Garcia now if things go south with Russell.

Looking Back on Bo Jackson's Career

Derek Courtney — Tue, 19 May 2009 01:48:13 -0400

Few athletes have been able to catch the attention of an entire sports nation like Bo Jackson did. In a very short time Bo Jackson became a household name. Drafted 1st overall by the Buccaneers, Bo refused to sign with the Tampa Bay because they wanted him to only play football. This was in fear that their no. 1 pick would get injured playing baseball. He signed with the Kansas City Royals that year and tossed him name back in the 1987 draft hat since he never signed with Tampa Bay. In Al Davis fashion, he grabbed Bo in the 7th round of the 87' draft. Al Davis was supportive of Bo's baseball career and allowed him to join the Raiders mid-way through the season when baseball season was over. After joining the Raiders half way through the 1987 season Bo rushed for 554 yards on 81 carries. Over the next three seasons Bo Jackson would rush for 2,228 yards and 12 touchdowns. Not to bad considering he was backing up Marcus Allen.

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NFL Rookie of the Year Candidates for the 2009 Season

Derek Courtney — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:55:30 -0400

It's so hard to predict how a rookie is going to impact his new team in his first season. So many times the guy that was labeled the, "sure thing" ends up being one of the worst picks. Will you get Peyton Manning or Ryan Leaf? If someone would have told you this time last season that Matt Ryan would lead the Atlanta Falcons to the playoffs and be voted Offensive Rookie of the year, you would have said they were crazy. Jerod Mayo would have been a little easier to guess, since everybody that plays for New England seems to play on a different level than the rest of the NFL. If someone would have ask who would be the Defensive Rookie of the year in 2008 would you have thought it would be Mayo? With all the talk about Glenn Dorsey, Sedrick Ellis, Chris Long or maybe even Vernon Gholston, Mayo would have been like 5th or 6th on my list. But that's what makes the NFL draft so exciting. You never know who'll be the best fit for your system untill they get on the field and show what they got. So, lets take a look at some possible Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the year canidates.

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I Want More Gina Carano!!

Derek Courtney — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:12:06 -0400

I know when your almost 30 you should be over any kind of crush.

But I can't help it. I love this girl. Not only is she hot, she's bad ass!!

It's so cool to see her beat some chick down and her hair is still in a perfect pony tail at the end of the fight. While her opponent usually looks battered and abused.

I can't get enough of her.

She hasn't been inside the ring for a while now—what a shame! We last saw her on Oct. 4, 2008 against Kelly Kobold, were she pulled out a unanimous decision victory.

Before that she stopped Kaitlin Young in May in the second round by TKO when the the doctor stopped the fight. And a first round submission victory over Tonya Evinger in Sept. 2007 by rear naked choke.

Now I'm ready for the fight that's been hyped for months now. I'm ready to see Carano-Cyborg.

I've only seen Cyborg fight once, but she is a beast. Not to be mean but I'm not convinced she wasn't a man at one point.

It will most certainly have me on the edge of my seat for my Gina if that fight is ever set.

JaMarcus Russell vs. Jeff Garcia

Derek Courtney — Sun, 17 May 2009 18:16:48 -0400

Alot of sports writers have all but given the starting job to Jeff Garcia. With some good reason. Jeff Garcia has proven to be tuff, reliable, and most of all a winner. While Jamarcus Russell has had a short time to develop in an atmosphere not so friendly to quaterbacks ,Jeff Garcia has had brief stays with San Francisco, Cleveland, Detroit, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay that have been pretty succesful. Bringing in Jeff Garcia was no doubt a great move for the Raider organization as well as Jamarcus Russell. Even though they do not have the same quaterback style and completely different physical talents. Garcia is a wise veteran that knows how to win and can help Jamarcus with the mental part of the game which is where he is lacking. Here is a look at the pros and cons of each guy getting the starting job. And who will give the Oakland Raiders the best chance at winning.

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Oakland Raiders: Hoping For the Best, Expecting the Worst

Derek Courtney — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:23:53 -0400

I have been a die hard Raiders fan since I was a kid. The silver and black has run through my blood for almost 20 years. The list of legends that have played for or either coached in Oakland is much to long to get into without leaving someone out.

Years ago, when mentioning Al Davis or the Oakland Raiders, everyone was at attention. Now when you speak about the Raiders, it's a comedy show filled with jokes.

All you hear on ESPN and NFL network is about how the Raiders are embarrassment to themselves. How the owner Davis is killing the team with his micro-managing. And how they overpaid a player.

The past six seasons have not been fun to say the least. Though, every year during the offseason I can find plenty of reasons to believe that this is the season where we turn it all around.

Looking back, it seemed to be wishful thinking more than logic. Here we go again. Smells like a new season to me. I think it's time we turn this ship around.

Here are my few reasons I believe this year will be the year the Raiders will get back to their winning ways:

1. Weak division: the Broncos traded Jay Cutler away for Kyle Orton. Great move for the Raiders.

The Chiefs are still rebuilding. They should good in the future but it's going to take some time.

The Chargers I think will be our only legit threat. They still have everyone in place from last year so they will be tough. Hopefully another slow start from them.

2. Players and Coaches working together: Jamarcus Russell will have some stability at play calling this season. He and Coach Cable seem to be on the same page at the end of the season. His protection should be better as well.

Kalif Barnes was signed, but Mario Henderson looked pretty good at the end of the season at left tackle. Darrius Heyward-Bey could also give us that spark in the passing game we desperately need.

3. Tom Cable is making Davis happy: Cable has somehow got the players on board with what he's trying to do and kept Davis happy at the same time. Not an easy thing to do. He seems to be a no b.s. guy and the players like that in a coach.

4. Improved Receiving Core: Heyward-Bey should add the deep threat that we have lacked. Maybe more wishful thinking than logic again. If he can generate any attention from the defense it will make things alot easier for the others.

With a legit No. 1 receiver, it will take some of the pressure off guys like Higgins, Walker, and Miller. With a good ground attack already the sky is the limit. Just Win Baby!!

What if... A look at what could be for 2009 Oakland Raiders

Derek Courtney — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:29:59 -0400

What if Tom Cable can somehow get these guys to gel together and still manage to keep Al Davis happy, the raiders might be in for a suprise year. They have skill players at all the right positions on offense. With there last three first round picks they have possibly created a three headed monster in Jamarcus Russell, Darren McFadden, and now Darrius Heyward-Bey. A trio that could cause alot of problems for AFC West defenses for a long time to come. A solid tight end in Zack Miller has been Jamarcus Russells only legit target to this point. But that could change if Coach Tom Cable is able to do what no coach since Jon Gruden has done by getting these guys to play like a single unit while keeping the old man upstairs happy. (Al Davis) With the offense in a much better postion to succeed next season it will be up to the defensive line and how good they play against the run. Let's take a look at what could happen if the raiders play like a team and not like a bunch of high school players in the 2009 season.

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Where Is Michael Huff???

Derek Courtney — Tue, 12 May 2009 22:51:14 -0400

Oh, how could I forget. There he is on the sideline. Again. What's up with this guy? I know it's not always easy to thrive in Oakland with the revolving door policy at head coach, but this guy has not been a factor at all. The only praise I can give him on his performance for his short time in oakland is his ability to lay the shoulder pads. But that's not enough when your in the big league. To many times he's missed tackles because he refuses to wrap guys up. In 39 starts he has one sack and oneinterception. Not exactly numbers worthy of a seventh overall pick. In his first three years he has accounted for 191 total tackles. (Gibril Wilson had 129 last year alone.) With Tyvon Branch healthy and Mike Mitchell now in the mix it's hard to see Huff being able to work his way back into the strong safety role. And when he played the free safety spot he was always caught out of position. Hard to believe without some dramatic improvement he'll be able to steal that spot from Eugene. All that's left would be the nickel corner. I would hate to think that we wasted the seventh overall pick on the third corner. And that still not a given with Stanford Routt holding that position down for the past couple years. I don't get it. This guy has all the skills to be an elite safety in the league. What will it take to get him to the level of play he's capable of? So back to my original question, where is mike huff?? Is he now the odd man out?