Bleacher Report - Articles by greg pitsch

Raiders-Patriots: Our Legacy Was Stolen, But We Can Be O.J and Steal It Back!

greg pitsch — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 21:36:00 -0500

This season has been a huge disappointment but quite entertaining to say the least. The Oakland Raiders again will have to look for tools to build our future. The team has shown several signs of improvement but still has to spend the final weeks of the 2008 season to find an answer to what has occurred time and time again.

Our dysfunction and continued instability has made the Raiders the laughing stock of the NFL.

Where will the Raiders begin this offseason? That is a question we can start assessing in three weeks, as for now we still have a game on Sunday, and have to be in top form. My logic is that neither the fans nor players need their heads to be filled with what to do before next year. Sunday provides us with a chance to redeem our ego against the team that stripped us of our dynasty.

In January of 2002, the officials robbed the Raiders, who had a team for the record books. Some still argue the fact, but even Tom Brady announced in the postgame conference, that he too thought it was a fumble.

The results of the game were a tide that would change the ideals in the Raiders front office. We had a chance the next year to play in the Super Bowl but had to play against the coach we had just traded after the "Tuck Rule." We were robbed of our dynasty, the fact is that we never would have fell this low, had the play been called correctly.

Sunday, the Patriots will be in our house on a cold, wet, and dreary afternoon. As a member of the best fanbase in the NFL, I am calling for all Raider fans to make it a point that we will not allow the Patriots to continue on our legacy.

Bring signs, make a lot of noise, Boo Randy Moss and LaMont Jordan anytime they touch the ball. Tell any Patriots fan you see that they are going to lose the division to the Dolphins.

Their reign must be stopped, ans Sunday we have a chance to put them down. With a Dolphins win, and Partiots loss, the Patriots will almost certainly need a miracle to get in.

In our hopes the newly great looking Matt Cassell might not start, therefore the Patriots will be looking to Kevin O'Connell. That would be a great advantage because the Patsies are a paa first team.

Leaving them with a run game, that has become weak. In the mix with the weather conditions, I see the Raiders having the better rushing attack.

Just for fun, we will be screaming F--- the Pats.

Let's go get'em Raiders.

At the end of regulation, the Raiders are 1-0.

greg pitsch — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 18:21:00 -0500

This is where it all gets interesting. Week 13, the Oakland Raiders have a home matchup against their division rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs. Up to this point, the season has looked dim, but this week is a must win for the Oakland Raiders.

My reasoning for this is that the Raiders are still mathematically in the hunt for the AFC West title. After the win against the Broncos, we have tied their division Record at 2-2. The Raiders need a lot of help from other teams, but our chances are better than glim.

The Broncos will have to face the red-hot Jets, who do not show signs of slowing down. So if the Raiders can get a win at home this week, and hope Brett Favre can keep the train rolling, that leaves Oakland only two games behind.

The Chargers will play a big part in our quest for the glory, but that all plays into effect next week, and in week 17. So I will leave the skepticism to be followed up on a week-by-week basis.

The whole idea that Tom Cable instilled in this young team was brilliant. Tom asked the players to do what they have to do in order to leave each game 1-0. The games that you have already played are just notes to use in preperation for next week. It has allowed the young team to erase the mental errors that they seem to keep as baggage, that could become a burden.

If by any chance the Raiders come out of week 13 victorious, it will make the rest of the regular season a real treat for the three teams in the West that are still in contention.

Oakland Raiders: 41-14 Will be the Motivation for Sunday's Rematch

greg pitsch — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:03:00 -0500

When the season was just getting started, the Raider Nation was in full force to deter the haters that always seem to find us, whether we are in a parking lot, or at our homes.

These "Haters," like to just try and get between our skin, always saying how the Broncos, or Chargers are always better than us. Right now, yes, but not by much.

The biggest hater of them all is Mike Shanahan. Is he still that wounded over a decision Al Davis made back in the 1989 season? He has made it a personal rivalry, and wants to stick it to Al every chance he gets.

In Week One, however, he already had the game in hand, late in the game, but was still airing it all over the field. Shanahan, along with the help from his young quarterback, flat-out embarrassed the Raiders defense, which was supposed to be a strong point on the team.

This Sunday will be a test of will among the Young players. Hopefully we will see the same type of defense that shut down Jake Delhomme. We need the same approach this week against the young and savvy Jay Cutler.

Rob Ryan must understand that the way Cutler beat us last time, was simply the fact that we gave him all day to watch the play develop. If the Raiders can bring constant pressure, this game will not be out of reach coming down the stretch.

On the offensive side of the ball, we could use some help. Whether the help is from the wind, or the gods, we need offensive touchdowns. JaMarcus Russell is expected to start, and Darren McFadden should be close to 100 percent by now.

This game could come down to field position, so we need to at least get a few first downs. The Broncos' defense is worse than that of the Raiders, so we will need at least 17 points to even be contending in this one.

Whatever the outcome of the game ends up as, I want to at least see a team on the field that could have a final drive to win in Denver. What a boost that would be for our young players.

All the players have their hands on the light switch, but who is going to be the one to flip the switch to enlighten the team.

To read more of Greg's Article's please visit:

www.raidersvoice.com

Is a Season Ever Lost? The Raiders can play spoiler this year.

greg pitsch — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:51:00 -0500

At the beginning of the 2008 Season, the Raiders, and there fans were filled with a glimpse of hope, that they would soon return to the glory days. At 2-8, nothing could be further from reality, right?

I understand they are not atop of the weak AFC West, as they could be. But for some reason, the way they have been losing should still give us fans the real meaning of hope. We have gained the ability to stay in ballgames. It is odd that we can compete with the good teams in the league, but sometimes, can't seem to edge them out at the end.

The game at home against Carolina, got the fans upset and they started to leave early. The thing I didn't understand was why. Aside from the fumble at the beginning of the game, we actually dominated that game. I am starting to believe that the Oakland Raiders are allergic to the end-zone. That is simply the only thing holding us back from being a 6-4 Wilcard team.

Whatever the case may be, we have seen a lot of bright spots this season. Our run defense, isn't dead last, our QB is actually getting better as we go along, and our WR's are starting to play.

I know its a reach, but if we can get three staright division wins, and get back to 5-7, we couls somehow be back in the hunt for the division. Regardless if we can turn this season around, I can definately see it changing in the near future. All we need is to learn ho to cross the finish line. Even that is too much to ask this young team, so for all of us who come to Oakland trenched in Silver and Black, at least croos the Goal-line.

Please check out more of Greg Pitsch's articles at:

www.raidersvoice.com

In the Wake of My Own Madness

greg pitsch — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:11:00 -0400

(Photo courtesy of Jed Jacobson, Getty Images)

Last Sunday, which just so happened to be Oct. 19, 2008, the date is of real significance to anyone who had it planned as a Raider Nation National holiday. A day in which us Raider fans were going to have our last farewell to Brett Favre. This was going to be our chance to give Brett our revenge from what he did to us on a Monday night game back in 2003.

In my article, titled, "Why Raiders Fans Love Brett Favre Being a Jet," I rambled about why the team would rattle Brett and cause him to have one of his worst games in a while.

Excerpts:
Brett Favre will have his glory moments that is for sure, but on Oct. 19, he will be wishing he stayed retired.
His boxscore will look something like:
12/27, 1 TD, 3 INT, 1 FUM, 6 Sacks
It gives the Raiders one more chance to show that we are not a victim of Favres anymore, and that this will be the game he remembers the rest of his life. It will be a non-friendly farewell for Brett in Oakland.

If you would like to read the rest of this article, please visit: Raidersvoice

Raider Nation to Al Davis: Let Lane Kiffin Finish the Puzzle

greg pitsch — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:54:00 -0400

In a wake of either bad reporting or a somewhat truthful yet unsettling rumor, many in the Raider Nation are sitting on the edge of our seats.

For the players, it is more of about wanting to keep the right guy around. For the fans, it's a matter of wanting something different to happen: a coach to stay.

Many people are reporting that Al Davis is close to letting Lane Kiffin go. It would appear that Kiffin has no control over this, but does he?

If he can keep winning, there is a good chance he will stick around for a little bit longer. Are reporters then just rushing to judgement after another rumor comes from an "indsider" in the Raiders' office?

Who leaked this information? Supposedly nobody knows, because whoever did so is speaking as an anonymous patron.

I believe that Lane Kiffin is the right guy for this team, and that Al Davis has surrounded him with the given talent to win games. In due time, this team will be better. It might not be a playoff team this year, but soon it will be a dominant force in the AFC.

Al Davis has seemingly put the puzzle on the table, as well as constructed the edges, for Kiffin, and left it there for Lane to finish. Anybody who has taking time out of there busy schedule to piece together a puzzle as big as the Raiders must understand that it takes time.

When no other coach in the league would even go near Oakland, Lane Kiffin rose to the challenge. We have accepted him as our leader here in the Nation, and we also know that Davis holds the reigns to the team. But Al, let Kiffin be who he was brought here to be: the head caoch.

Darren McFadden Doubters: Keep Watching

greg pitsch — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:19:00 -0400

When Oakland was on the clock in this April's 2008 NFL Draft, many Raiders fans and fans of other teams were quick to judge Al Davis when he selected running back Darren McFadden fourth overall.

There were all sorts of blasts against the 22-year-old from Arkansas. Some of these remarks were, "His legs are too skinny," or "He fumbles too much." Both comments couldn't be justified without depth or facts to back them up.

The comment that made me laugh the most when I was firmly behind the notion that Davis would take McFadden was when people claimed that Oakland had enough running backs, and simply didn't need him.'

So here we are, two weeks into the season, and many of you have now realized the reasoning for taking McFadden, because Justin Fargas has never been able to play a full 16-game season, nor will he.

Well, Fargas left the field yesterday with what we are being told is a groin injury. Luckily, we had two strong running backs behind him to carry our offense with 300 team rushing yards. McFadden posted 164 of them, and Michael Bush added 90 more, also sealing the game with a long touchdown at the end of the game.

To read the rest of the article, visit:

www.raidersvoice.com

(AP Photo/The Ottawa Herald, Elliot J. Sutherland)

Midnight in Oakland: Raiders-Broncos Week One Preview

greg pitsch — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:40:00 -0400

This Monday will hold two big games on prime-time network television. The first of the two is Minnesota at Green Bay, followed by what should be considered the game of the week: Denver at Oakland.

The old adage resurfaces itself in our minds: "save the best for last." This game will electrify all that choose to watch it from home, and for us in Raider Nation who will be there will make the home theater surround sound seem more realistic than ever.

Not only does this game already hold a huge implication on the AFC West, but it will give us Raiders fans what we have been waiting for—our new team. So far in this preseason, we have yet to see the tandem of Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall manning the corners. Neither have we been able to see our team's top-tier running game bolster huge runs for big gains.

Anybody who has doubted the Raiders this offseason will be watching the nationally televised game in desperation that the Raiders falter. But this will not be the case. The simple fact is that the team feels the anticipation of the crowd and fans way too much to allow itself to disappoint.

As the game starts, the 63,000 plus fans in attendance will have the concrete walls vibrating at kickoff. This tone of deafening sound will not slow down until the Raiders have the ball. The defense is what Oakland will elect to put on the field first, and just shut the Broncos' weak offense down. After the quick three-and-out, the Raiders have Johnnie Lee Higgins field the punt and he does his job, which brings the ball close to midfield.

After going back and forth from runs by Darren McFadden, and Justin Fargas, matched with a few screens to both, and an occasional pass to Zach Miller, the Raiders find themselves in scoring position. This brings the already loud stadium to a roar, and when JaMarcus Russell drops back to throw the corner route to Javon Walker, who goes up and gets it for six, the entire fan base goes into complete pandemonium.

After the point after is good, not only are the Broncos stunned, but the announcers for ESPN have been thrown into a sheer silence that lasts until the Raiders kick the ball back to the dumbfounded Donkeys.

The game resumes at a very high intensity all the way through, but only from the Silver and Black; they show a dominating sense to the game that hasn't been seen in years, and it reawakens the Raider Nation. At the close of the game, as most of us are leaving the stadium, the only thing we hear the whole way home is the echoing of the crowd and the constant chant.... RAAAII-DERS!

In this battle, the so-called experts have Denver running away with victory, but that is irrelevant; the way I see this game turning out is as follows:

Oakland 27, Denver 13

Just win, baby!

NFL's Week One Predictions

greg pitsch — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:02:14 -0400

With the matchup between the Giants and Redskins already decided, I have had a chance at looking into the games for Week One and have made my predictions with scores.

If the starters fulfill their duties, this is how I see Week One ending up.

Cincinnati at Baltimore

CIN 17, BAL 13

Ocho Cinco is running all over the place for Cincy, as Joe Flacco gets acquainted to the NFL with a pair of early picks.

New York at Miami

NYJ 24, MIA 10

Brett Favre doesn't show up Pennington, but Pennington loses it in the second half to Kellen Clemens while Favre is on the bench.

Kansas City at New England

KC 6, NE 28

Kansas City realizes that they should've worn pink jerseys as a symbolic means to raising the white flag.

Houston at Pittsburgh

HOU 17, PIT 20

A close battle ends up being a tough one for Houston, as Roethlisberger gave them an opportunity late, but they couldn't capitalize.

Jacksonville at Tennessee

JAX 13, TEN 14

Vince Young pulls some of his late-game heroics, as he shows why they are among the top in their division.

Detroit at Atlanta

DET 21, ATL 10

Matt Ryan is still practicing.

Seattle at Buffalo

SEA 27, BUF 23

Marshawn Lynch had a big day but was unable to lift his team over the edge.

Tampa Bay at New Orleans

TB 24, NO 31

Jeremy "OMG" Shockey makes the SportsCenter top 10 list with four of his highlights.

Saint Louis at Philadelphia

STL 10, PHI 24

Donovan McNabb highlights his skills and shows why he is still there in Pillly.

Dallas at Cleveland

DAL 21, CLE 24

T.O. drops a game-winning TD pass that was a bit too high as time runs out, then states in the postgame conference, "I don't know what happened, ask my quarterback."

Carolina at San Diego

CAR 17, SD 34

Tomlinson struggles early, but Sproles takes over, and the Chargers continue on with their schedule.

Arizona at San Francisco

ARZ 13, SF 21

J.T O'Sullivan is no Joe, but he brings the excitement back, at least for a week.

Chicago at Indianapolis

CHI 14, IND 31

Peyton Manning treats this game as his preseason and leaves the game after throwing four TDs in the first half.

Minnesota at Green Bay

MIN 28, GB 17

The Pack get shown up at home, and by halftime the fans have had enough of Aaron, as they say "We want Daunte."

Denver at Oakland

DEN 13, OAK 27

Welcome to the D-Mac Show, I'll be your host Darren McFadden, with my co-host Justin Fargas, and as always the Smooth Operator as our special guest.

This is how I see Week One rounding out. I am not seeing many upsets, but the games that are "upsets" are just not looked at close enough by the "experts."

This is my opinion, and if you have any feedback, and or comments, I would appreciate them.

Why You Should Bet on the Raiders This Season

greg pitsch — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0400

There are many reasons that cause many of us to bet. We either think the odds are in our favor, or the game can't really be that hard. But it is no laughing matter, some people such as myself, love to gamble, and sometimes push our luck to far.

Your girlfriend or wife is standing next to you with a death look, waiting for you to leave the table, or walk away from the machine. But it is not that easy for you.

You explain to her, "I am only trying to have fun."

But she knows the truth, you are addicted. For those of you that have a problem, call the hotline, for the smart-minded people who bet on sports rather than when a computer wants to pay you, stay tuned.

I am going to put reason behind my headline, it is not a joke. The headline doesn't say to win, does it?

There are many ways toearnings on a regular Sunday filled with games from sunrise until about midnight on the East Coast. My favorite way to bet is to place an even wager on the underdog, as well as the favorite, so you give yourself better odds.

Now for the first weeks game against the Broncos, which will be intriguing. Because the last I checked the Broncos were only the favorite by three points, this would be a good game to pick the Raiders to win, because I do not believe that we will allow the game to stay any closer than three.

Here is the plan, grab as much money as you can, and play the Raiders as the underdog to come out victorious. When a game is only at a three-point spread you usually want to play the underdog, for the fact that you will win more money.

If you do not like my theory, I am by no means trying to push you into using it, but when the Raiders pull out some bigtime upsets this year, you will wish you had your pocketbooks out.

To finish reading this article please visit:

www.raidersvoice.com

Raiders-Cardinals: Oakland Looks Strong in First Half Against Arizona

greg pitsch — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:55:00 -0400

In the Raiders' Saturday matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, the message Kiffin sent out was that we would pass early and often in the game. I am not so sure that was a good idea, but the coaches were able to judge the receivers on performance. Which is what the preseason is all about.

I know that the fans at the game were not ecstatic about the results, but it wasn't an angry mob. It was more a congregation of crushed expectations. At any rate, the team did look decent while passing the ball, but they were unable to score.

The first-string defense suffocated the Cardinals' passing game in the first half. Matt Leinart threw three interceptions, and the defense also recovered a fumble. This is what Raider fans have been talking about. Our pass defense WILL be among the league's elite.

During the first half, some of the calls were ridiculous. The pass to McFadden was clearly forward and incomplete, yet somehow they call a completed catch and a fumble. This will always happen to the Raiders; it's just the way it is.

On top of that, the catch by Zach Miller was called incomplete, was reviewed, but again was ruled incomplete. I thought I saw his knee come down in bounds, but I am no official. I used to be, but I guess I lost the few skills I had.

Raider fans, let it be known that we gave the world our game plan, and they barely stopped our passing game. So, in the regular season, expect us to set up the passing game with our running game. Expect us to open up the plays that Russell rolls out on.

To read the end of the article please visit:

www.Raidersvoice.com

I am looking for other Raider fans to share their opinion about the Raiders with my readers, if you would like to contribute, please email me at: dubbrep209@yahoo.com

Can Louis Rankin Start Returning Kicks?

greg pitsch — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:56:00 -0400

In last week's matchup against the Tennessee Titans, the Oakland Raiders' punt returner, Johnnie Lee Higgins, made a huge mistake. In case you missed it, he fielded a ball inside his own 10-yard line, then started off running backwards. He then lost the football, only to have it recovered by the Titans in the end zone.

This particular event, paired with a couple that happened last season, have the Raider Nation wondering what would happen if we had a healthy Tyvon Branch back there? What if Darren wanted to return punts? Can Todd Watkins field the end-over-end kicks?

While pondering through all of this, I believe I found the solution...Louis Rankin.

He is our undrafted RB that came out of the University of Washington, where he would return kicks, so he has the vision to do it. In all of the times I watched him at both UW and the local Lincoln High School games, never have I seen him go backwards or try to field a ball in the presence of his own goal line.

This could be a great solution for a player that is fighting to make the roster. I would even go as far to say he would thrive at an opportunity to return punts. He plays football, meaning, he is willing to play anywhere on the field, as long as he gets to play.

When being interviewed by Bob Highfill of the Stockton Record a while back, he was asked why NFL scouts should look at him. "I can break the long run, I can make plays, I can catch the ball out of the backfield, I can block for the quarterback, and return kicks," Rankin said. "I bring a lot of things to the table. More than a lot of guys."

To finish Reading Greg's article visit:

www.raidersvoice.com

That's Okay Oren O'Neal, It Was Only a Game-Winning TD

greg pitsch — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0400

In the midst of starting the preseason 2-0, and just minutes away from big talk in the beginning of the season, it was third and goal, and the call was a fullback dive. O'Neal's number was called, but he now wishes it hadn't been.

The Oakland Raiders' defense held up strong and got the ball back to the offense to seal the game, or so they thought. After a 72-yard run by Adimchinobe, followed by a decent run up to the goal line, his number was called again—but twice he was stopped just short.

The next call baffled me, but it might have something to do with the fact that all the back-ups lack a good grasp of the offense to audible, or at least have someone go in motion.

Greg Knapp decided to run a fullback dive up the gut for the fourth running play in a row from just a half yard out. It could have been an amazing play call had it worked.

Oren took the hand-off and was doomed for failure. The Tennessee Titans had the box loaded. I thought for sure the Raiders would at least do a play action, or a quarterback bootleg into the endzone with "Tui." From what I saw, the Titans had nine in the box, and had just stopped two run plays just shy of the goal-line.

To finish reading this article, please visit:

www.raidersvoice.com

The Tall Tale of My Tickets—One Oakland Raiders Fan's Adventure

greg pitsch — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:05:00 -0400

With the first preseason game approaching, I started to wonder where my season tickets were. Last Wednesday I had received an e-mail confirming that they had been delivered, so I got excited. Just then I noticed that they were sent to the wrong address. Or so I was told by my computer screen.

I began to panic, thinking that I was going to lose my tickets. Or that they were already gone. After work I decided to go pay the holders of my tickets a visit. Once I arrived at the address to which they were shipped, it became apparent that the home was empty. It had been Foreclosed. So I ravaged around, didn't see signs of anybody.

This was about the time I decided to call United Postal Service, the company that was shipping the product. After a long wait, followed by an automated conversation, I was able to speak to somoeone who might have an idea where my tickets are. What I was about to hear was probably the worst news ever.

"Sir, according to the delivery agent, they had it placed behind the middle pillar on your porch."

I was furious. "How do you leave a 1,200 dollar package on the porch? At what price does a signature become required?"

For these questions, the guy had no response.

After talking it over with my season ticket representative, they decided that we would wait until Monday, to see if they surface, or if anybody turns them in, to which I agreed upon.

Yesterday, which was Tuesday, I finally received my tickets, but only for the two preseason games. Meanwhile, I wait for them to print out my commemerative tickets.

Since the tickets were stolen, some unlucky prick will walk up to the gate and hopefully get his dreams of watching this year's Oakland Raiders crushed, as he gets beaten over the head with a night stick, and charged with theft of a person's mail.

Thanks for reading this, read more of Greg's articles at:

www.raidersvoice.com

Oakland Raiders: Will patience bring glory?

greg pitsch — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:02:00 -0400

In the last five seasons, the Oakland Raiders have gone 19-61, a very dismal stretch for such a storied franchise. But not only have the fans had the patience, but still carried their swagger during this period of very dark times.

Since the Raiders appeared in Super Bowl XXXVII, the team has not been able to secure many free agents, and the ones we were able to bring to town were not the talented players the rest of the league sought out. This became a huge reason why some players' salaries are out of control, or is it?

Nobody can be classified as overpaid, until they have shown what they are being paid for. This is my personal take on Rookies pay, as well as most signings for veteran free agents.

Now looking at what the Raiders spent, for their free agent acquisitions, and drafts in recent years, did they get the short end of the stick? With players like DeAngelo (trade), Gibril Wilson, Tommy Kelly, Javon Walker, Drew Carter, Nnamdi Asomugha (franchised), JaMarcus Russell (draft), or even Darren McFadden (draft).

Can anybody who watches the National Football League on a regular basis tell me that the Raiders didn't improve these last two years?

One thing the Raiders have done with the bleak seasons that keep coming by is that they were able to wait on the big spending for a franchise Quarterback, and Running Back, and now that we have both, with a good receiving corps, and a defensive that has been well praised so far in training camp, it will undoubtedly bring back a tough Raiders team.

To finish reading this article visit:

www.raidersvoice.com

JaMarcus Russell Back in Practice with the Oakland Raiders

greg pitsch — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:02:00 -0400

After missing the remainder of Tuesday's practice, JaMarcus Russell was able to return to practice with the Oakland Raiders today.

He hurt his elbow Tuesday on Darren McFadden's helmet on his follow-through after a throw. He was still wanting to practice, but the coaches pulled him for the fact that he didn't look like he was putting his arm into throws.

Today, upon returning to practice he was able to run plays, and mostly hand the ball off. He didn't do any throwing during the pass plays.

He said he doesn't like sitting around, watching all his teammates work their butts off.

For more of Greg's Articles, please visit:

www.raidersvoice.com

LaMont Jordan Being Sent Home by the Oakland Raiders

greg pitsch — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:23:00 -0400

It has become official, although many fans already knew this, the Oakland Raiders have no intentions of keeping LaMont Jordan. It is no surprise, yet the team has tried to trade him, with no luck. The team has asked him not to show up to Spring Training, but will he accept the fact he is being donated to anybody who will take him?

The only reason he has yet to be released, is that the Raiders do not want him to be signed by any division rivals. The Chiefs, Broncos, and Chargers could be teams willing to bargain with Lamont, but not for his $4.7 MIL price tag. The same goes with teams like the Buccaneers, Lions, Bengals, Jets, and even the Texans.

Most of these teams are waiting for the Raiders to release him, making him a free agent, therefore not having to give up anything but a paycheck for him.

For the rest of the article please visit:

www.raidersvoice.com

Oakland Raiders: No Time to Waste

greg pitsch — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:42:00 -0400

In a season that holds as much future realism as this season, it was good to see that we had our rookies signed early, and all of them participating in our mini camps, and they will all be in training camp.

The whole league is awaiting the way Darren McFadden walks on the field. Most reporters were denying the fact that he was a sure fire running back, who is as explosive as anybody they have seen come out of the NCAA in years.

In the mini-camps, a lot of the defensive players for the Raiders were saying that he is extremely explosive, and how they are glad he is in the silver and black. With his addition we should see an increase in our running game, big time.

With this being JaMarcus Russell's first full training camp, there should be a big improvement in his ability to learn they playbook. From all the early reports, his arm strength is past phenomenal, closer to non-human like, in the way he gets velocity into the throw. It isn't like he played bad in his minimal time on the field last season, but the critics were harsh on him, mainly for holding out.

To read the entire article visit:

www.raidersvoice.com

Oakland Raiders: In What Direction Are They Headed?

greg pitsch — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:10:00 -0400

Yesterday, as I was driving home from a long, exhausting day at the office, I was listening to my favorite sports-talk show, 1140 KHTK in Sacramento. They had a guest on the show by the name of Mike Freeman from CBS Sports.

Although he was quite insightful about the rest of the league, he came out and stated, "I can't see what direction the Raiders are going."

I was appalled that a "national reporter" would have no better information about the Raiders. He could have said something along the lines of, "They are a young team, and we will have to wait and see what they can do," or even something like, "The team basically has two rookie stars in the backfield. They might be an exciting football team to watch this year."

How does any national reporter not have a clue as to what the Raiders are doing?

Do you need some help as to what direction they are moving in, Mr. Freeman? Here in Oakland, we only play one type of football, and that is Raiders Football. The direction this team is going is up. Young, fast, and hard-hitting, smash-mouth football is what we are about.

To read the rest of this article visit:

www.raidersvoice.com

Barry Bonds Should Come Back before Brett Favre

greg pitsch — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:43:26 -0400

I am sick and tired of all the breath wasted on Brett Favre. I understand that he said/she said nonsense controls the media of today, but nothing has aggravated me more than the Packers and Favre Fiasco.

People were first saying, "Oh my god, why would the Cheeseheads do that to him?" But what nobody seems to understand is that Brett walked away from the game, his teammates, and his fans, yet they are parading to bring him back.

Whatever, Brett deserves to play until he dies. He has earned whatever it is that he wants. The one who is lost in the fiasco of jacked-up treatment is the King of Home Runs, Barry Bonds.

Sure you may think that his record is tainted or that he was using steroids, but the fact of the matter is, he should have bids out for him for at least eight or 10 teams. Not to mention the teams that think they have a chance, especially since he is willing to play for the league minimum.

Mr. Bonds has yet to be guilty of anything, so why is he getting this kind of treatment? There is no team in the race that should not be jumping over the best bat in history. Last year he still had the power.

The other reason I am upset about the whole Bonds parlay is because of how he was treated by the franchise he helped structure for more than a decade—a team that has a new stadium now because of the seats he filled. They rode him like a pile of lottery tickets and threw all of them away after they won.

What the team should have done was trade him for his worth, or at least offer him a coaching job to say the least.

Teams should not boot the greatest team the franchise has ever seen. It's one thing to be run out of town, but it is another story when you walk out.

Nnamdi Asomugha Will Wait Another Year

greg pitsch — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:05:00 -0400

The Oakland Raiders and CB Nnamdi Asomugha were hoping to get a long-term contract in place to extend the cornerback's stay in Oakland. However, they were unable to get it finalized before Tuesday's deadline.

Since Asomugha was placed with a Franchise Tag, he will be playing this season for $9.7 million. Making this his "show me the money" season, we might expect to see some unreal play out of him.

To read the rest of the article please visit:

http://www.raidersvoice.com

Javon Walker: Unconscious in Las Vegas

greg pitsch — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:40:10 -0400

The newly acquired wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders, Javon Walker, was found unconscious on a Las Vegas street Monday.

He was robbed and beaten, then left unconscious after a night of partying on the strip.

The Las Vegas Police Department is running an investigation in an attempt to find out who he was with and where he was during the previous night.

All of us who represent the Raider Nation hope that he makes a quick recovery, and is available to play sooner rather than later. As for the rest of the fans in the NFL, be sympathetic to the Raiders in the meantime.

NFL Draft: 32 Teams, 32 Cities, 32 Comments

greg pitsch — Fri, 02 May 2008 08:23:51 -0400

We have all heard about how great the Chiefs did in this year's NFL Draft. My question is, did they really do that well?

I don't think so.

When you trade the league's sack leader for a few picks, that could be a good move. But when you replace the best defensive end of last year with a rookie offensive guard? That is hilarious.

But really, you can never know how good a team did in the draft until the season starts.

Here are my 32 comments:

1. Miami Dolphins

I sure hope Bill did not have the two Longs mixed up from day one. I mean, they are pretty close.

2. St Louis Rams

You sure are confident in Marc Bulger, huh? At 31 years old, he is still the future of the franchise.

3. Atlanta Falcons

Is Matt Ryan going to wear number seven? Are his teammates still going to wear the shirts under their jerseys saying, "In Vick we trust?"

4. Oakland Raiders

That's bold, Al, taking a non-needed player with the only selection you had in the first three rounds. But hey, they're just hatin' on you, right?

5. Kansas City Chiefs

It's funny that Dorsey will still get burned by McFadden twice a year.

6. New York Jets

Maybe they thought it was a typo and that Dustin Keller was actually a defensive end, therefore getting two in the first round.

7. New Orleans Saints

Maybe Sean Peyton should have Pete Carroll as his mentor, especially with the bulk of Trojan alumni they are getting.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars

Derrick Harvey eighth overall? He should probably have fallen at least to the mid-teens.

9. Cincinnati Bengals

Rivers was a nice pick-up. Now back to the "Ocho Cinco" story.

10. New England Patriots

The punishment they received was crazy. You got caught cheating, so now you lose YOUR first round pick, 31st overall, but you can keep the No. 7 pick you got from San Francisco?

11. Buffalo Bills

Watch out AFC East (Patriots). The Bills will be nothing short of the 2002-3 Raiders.

12. Denver Broncos

Darren McFadden will "Clady" take another one to the house. So how many do ya'll plan to win this year? "Type 1."

13. Carolina Panthers

How long do you guys give rookies to pan out? It seems that you let them play, then next year they are already forgotten.

14. Chicago Bears

This is going to be funnier than the "Windy City Shuffle."

15. Kansas City Chiefs

I am still laughing about Dorsey not being able to get rid of his living nightmare.

16. Arizona Cardinals

I heard Matt Leinart wants to buy Jose Canseco's house, and maybe even rent him his old room back.

17. Detroit Lions

You honestly passed up on Rashard Mendenhall twice for Gosder Cherilus?

18. Baltimore Ravens

Joe Flacco... "No, seriously I get the joke," said Troy Smith while carrying his Heisman Trophy around.

19. Carolina Panthers

You guys just keep it coming, huh? So who is your guys' quarterback anyway?

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Okay, is Talib going to play behind Barber? Or opposite him? Was there was nobody better at this point?

21. Atlanta Falcons

You guys are trying to go in the right direction, but there is a dead dog that seems to have jammed up inside the wheel well.

22. Dallas Cowboys

Hey Romo, I think Jerry Jones hasn't told you yet, but this year is do or die for you as far as being a Cowboy is concerned.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers

I guess you had to, nobody else even tried to get him.

24. Tennessee Titans

How are you guys not taking Limas Sweed here? He was Vince Young's favorite target at Texas. But Lavelle Hawkins will be a good fit.

25. Dallas Cowboys

Hey Romo, have you started packing yet?

26. Houston Texans

Did you trade back, so you would know how it feels to be among the elite teams? Is that your philosophy this year?

27. San Diego Chargers

He will be good, if he ever gets to play. That definately is not a need, but what the hell, right?

28. Seattle Seahawks

At Least you will beat the 49ers this year.

29. San Francisco 49ers

DeSean Jackson was yours for the taking. Where is the sense in this?

30. New York Jets

You want Lamont Jordan back?

31. New York Giants

Great pick, to fill the recent hole left by Gibril Wilson, but you are the World Champs, so you could have gave that pick away, and it still would've been a good draft for you.

** Green Bay Packers

How many times in his career will Aaron Rodgers not have to look over his shoulder? Brett may come back? If he does he would be better off coaching the quarterbacks instead of playing as one.

** Indianapolis Colts

Don't mind the Colts, they are always doing the same old thing, as in keeping silent. Except for Marvin.

** Minnesota Vikings

If we can't beat last year's pick, let's trade the pick instead. Jared Allen is worth a first round pick?

** Washington Redskins

Do they understand why they didn't keep their first round selection? They should start up a relief effort in the nation's capital to cut some of the FA cost they accumulated last year.

So after that we come to the conclusion that the only real winner on Draft day, is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Somehow, top name players just fell to them with no moving around or frantic trades, just patiently waiting for their turn.

Darren McFadden Officially Chooses the Number 20

greg pitsch — Fri, 02 May 2008 04:51:13 -0400

Darren McFadden will soon cause noise, or a media frenzy no matter where he travels. In order to set the standard I would like to share an announcement by Darren McFadden.

Darren has chose to sport the number 20 on his reebok made, official Raiders team gear.

This includes his jersey, his equipment bags, and a piece of tape above his locker(not sponsored by Reebok). This came as a bit of surprise to a large part of his fan base. A lot of us thought he would wear number 34, with his name on the back as, "Bo, Who?"

I like number twenty, I think it will fit him well.

To all you Raider fans out there. Do not go buy the draft "1" jersey, when you are now able to purchase the "real" jersey.

Pre-order one today

The Raider Image. http://oaklandraiders.stores.yahoo.net/category-draft-jerseys.html

The NFL Shop. http://www.nflshop.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3047434&clickid=body_rv_img

Oakland Raiders Sign Undrafted RB Louis Rankin

greg pitsch — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:07:10 -0400

After all seven rounds of this year's draft, several college hopefuls are left to be signed as scout players, or maybe make the practice squad. The Oakland Raiders signed one of those undrafted players: University of Washington RB Louis Rankin.

Rankin was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Stockton, CA where he made fans silent as he tore up California's division-one high schools all over the state. He continued his career at the University of Washington, where he didn't see much playing time until his senior year.

In 2007 Rankin rushed for 1,294 yards on 233 carries, taking in six of those for scores.

His most notable game was Nov. 3 against Stanford, in which he carried the ball 36 times for 255 yards, averaging 7.1 yards per carry, only recording one touchdown.

Three weeks later he tore up the University of California for 224 yards on just 21 carries. He also got one touchdown.

If he were given the ball more often in the red-zone his numbers would have been staggering, but luckily for the Raiders they were not. This led most teams to believe that he was just another mediocre talent.

I saw him play many times and can tell you this kid is special. Hopefully we can retain him as a kick-returner, or keep on the practice squad for a couple years until Fargas is out of gas.

For the Oakland Raiders, It Was Always Darren McFadden

greg pitsch — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 05:50:46 -0400

In a press conference following the Raiders' selection of Darren McFadden in the 2008 NFL Draft, head coach Lane Kiffin went on to tell the media, "It was McFadden all along."

During that press conference he also went on to say, "I knew months ago, that this was the guy we had to have."

In the midst of rampant talk and speculation, there were many Raiders fans and reporters who were way off-target, and had a belief that they knew what the Raiders would do with their fourth overall pick.

Many believed the Raiders would trade down, but Kiffin's response to this was simple.

"The only chance we were going to trade down was if McFadden was gone at number four...We were considering trading up to pick him, but luckily he fell to us."

Lane also went on to add, "(Former LSU defensive tackle) Glenn (Dorsey) is a great player, but doesn't quite fit our three-gap technique. To take him fourth overall to replace Tommy (Kelly) at the three gap doesn't make much sense."

This proclamation from Coach Kiffin goes on to solidify the prediction that I made almost two months ago, when I thought the Raiders would select Darren McFadden, the best running back to come out of the SEC in quite a while.

McFadden will add a lot of possibilities to our new, explosive offense. This year, the Oakland Raiders will not only be back on the map, their fanbase will be filled with high hopes.

McFadden was the right choice, and will electrify the Raider Nation.

Darren McFadden Visits Oakland Raiders

greg pitsch — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 06:12:05 -0400

Monday was a day that most Raider fans have been waiting for. Since the rumors began, anticipation has been high. Now that Darren McFadden has officially met with the Oakland Coaching Staff, it seems more like reality.

For those who believe we don't need him, you're absolutely right.

But the fact is the owner likes him, Lane Kiffin wants either him or Jake Long, and the fans, well, many are way off track.

We have spent the money on the defense, more money on the defense, and then a bit on the offense. Only one offensive player actually cost significant cash.

We have a chance to be frightening on offense, and I believe our defense is much improved this offseason. But our defense was not our biggest hole last year, costing us games. That was the offense.

You can't expect a defense to be top notch when they are on the field for more than 35 minutes a game or 10 minutes a quarter.

How many games came down to us having a last chance to win the game in the fourth quarter?

How many of those were lost to an interception, thrown either by McCown (gone) or Culpepper (not re-signed)?

On top of that there were numerous games in which we had more than one three-and-out in the last quarter.

I am not saying McFadden will replace Fargas, but the two together—both with fresh legs—in front of Michael Bush would be an absolutely phenomenal set-up.

The ability to keep our high-priced defense off the field is what we need. We do not need to make our defense the most expensive in the league, and keep them on the field.

You can disagree, but I have knowledge and understanding of how this works. I have witnessed the drafts by Al Davis, and have come to realize this isn't just talk. We are not hyping up the kid. He will be wearing silver and black.

If you don't like the pick, are you going to be the loser at the draft booing his team's selection only to find out it was the best pick halfway through the season?

Oakland Raiders: The Messege Al is Giving Us

greg pitsch — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:18:01 -0400

So many of us want to predict the draft, but seem to not be following any reports, or indications as to what we still need. The biggest example I can clearly see, is with my team, the Oakland Raiders.

If you are still whining about Vernon Gholston, or Glenn Dorsey, even Sedrick Ellis, and how we NEED them. There are several things you are not noticing as of late. We just signed TWO Defensive Tackles, two Wide Receivers, an Offensive Tackle, a Safety, and re-signed our decent running back, by the name of Justin Fargas.

Tommy Kelly and William Joseph, DT. I know these are not top draft picks, hell Kelly wasn't even drafted, but these two will be able to "slow down" the running game, making it easier for the DB's and LB's to make tackles.

meaning. We will not be taking either Sedrick Ellis, nor Glenn Dorsey.

Javon Walker and Drew Carter, WR. This will open up the playbook for Russell, giving him two new valid receivers to throw to. We will be able to utilize the gift that god gave him.

meaning. The only WR we will see in this draft will be in the 4th or 5th rounds, if there are any good ones left, we will have to wait and see.

Kwame Harris, OT. This addition shores up our zone run blocking scheme that we started to implement last year. He will be a great addition, and improve our ability to stretch run plays for more yardage.

meaning. Jake Long will not be coming to the Oakland Raiders.

Gibril Wilson, S. Wilson is a good tackler, and will be used to crowd the line of scrimmage, when we are noticing run formations. He has the ability to hit runners, or break up passes over the middle. Mixed with Michael Huff and the LB core that we have, the middle should be well plugged.

meaning. Vernon Gholston and Keith Rivers are out of the question.

Justin Fargas, RB. He was a strong runner for us last season, but he is injury prone, due to the hits he squares up to, instead of avoiding. Will be a big plus, but will probably see less than 20 carries a game.

meaning. The Running Back position could be volitile, if Fargas gets injured early.

The latest almost certain acquisition to the Oakland Raiders is DeAngelo Hall. He will give us the Secondary we have been waiting for, making it nearly suicide to throw to the outsides, Leaving the middle of the field to throw the ball. With the man to man coverage by these two, our LB's will have more chances to blitz, to create sacks and turnovers. We will be able to bring Wilson up to the line to put eight in the box, to shut down their run game. If the other teams are afraid to throw into our coverage, we will be able to predict the run better, therefore being more aware of how to stop it.

Plus the fact that aside from San Diego, our division is pass happy, giving us the opportunity to get a slaughter of turnovers. With McFadden we will be able to capitolize off these mistakes, and win more ballgames. Last year we had 14 INT's and came away with points on how many of them? Not to mention we threw 20 INT's because therew was no valid check-down receiver for our mixture of Quarterbacks.

Our defense is already gotten major upgrades over the offseason. Come April, I think we give Russell a RB to grow with. Imagine Russell and McFadden in the backfield together in their prime. Along with a defense that holds most opponents under 14 points per game. This is no longer a guessing game.

Al Davis will take Darren McFadden, whether you think its the right move or not, and once you see this defense as well as the offense take the field, you will be kissing Al's pinky super bowl ring, thanking him for not taking a Defensive Lineman in the first round.

Dallas Cowboys want Darren McFadden?

greg pitsch — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:18:50 -0500

With talks surfacing all over the web, TV, and Radio about how bad the Dallas Cowboys wants Darren McFadden, and their willingness to trade with Miami. To me, this makes no sense.

First off, I understand that Jerry Jones and Bill Parcells are willing to work together, and he is helping Parcells re-tool his team with three picks, and a proven running back. But would Miami even take McFadden, or trade with anybody else?

They are more interested in Virginia's Chris Long to benefit Jason Taylor in the more than predictable 3-4 style Parcells’ will adapt.

This trade could potentially benefit both parties, but why would Jones make him the first pick in the draft if he can get him at third, fourth, or fifth pick?

There lies the problem.

He is not the only owner interested in pursuing what could become of Darren. Nobody knows for sure if he will be good or great, that is why people are shaky, when it comes to paying 30 plus million for uncertainty.

I believe the Cowboys would be foolish to make this trade with Miami, because most likely he could be still there at the fourth or fifth pick. He becomes cheaper with every pick that he is not taken.

But as we all know, the Dolphins are in no room to pass on three picks, and an all-star running back with the condition of their team.

Ronnie Brown and Marion Barber, would be an amazing one-two punch, and the plus side with all the picks, is they can get a few decent players relatively cheap, a big advantage when you are rebuilding. But will it ruin the chance of them creating a high powered pass rush with their front line?

If offered the Dolphins will more than likely take this deal?

Too bad for everybody else, because the Cowboys would be smarter to make this deal with the Falcons, Raiders, or Chiefs, who would all be more than willing to entertain this deal

NFL Draft: Why the Raiders Should Pick Darren McFadden

greg pitsch — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 06:34:38 -0500

In Oakland there is a way of selecting our draft picks:

No consideration of history, stats, or even tradition.

Al Davis has one thing in mind when making his selection in that he solely looks at raw skill.

Nobody in this years draft will stand out more to the Oakland Raiders than Darren McFadden. He is a force in the running game that would promote a change in the style that Oakland would play: Smash Mouth.

Can Justin Fargas stand 30 plus carries a week, for the entire season? Probably not. With the likeliness that either or both Lamont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes will be gone, and Michael Bush returning from injury, he would surely carry the bulk of that load.

This could prove to be a disaster, since Fargas is known for going straight at the contact.

Which brings me to the Draft.

The Raiders will have the fourth pick come April, and Kansas City has the fifth pick. There is no possible way we can pass on Darren McFadden. We cannot risk him being picked up by the Chiefs, and, although it seems unlikely, it is not a chance worth taking.

Plus, knowing that Al Davis will not pass on him is comforting and he will bring explosiveness to the offense.

Al Davis is not a defensive guru, and neither is Lane Kiffin, which leads me to believe they will take McFadden with their first pick. Imagine the Raiders having Fargas, Bush, and McFadden in the backfield.

McFadden can also be utilized not only as a feature back but also as a slot receiver or a decoy in the mold of Reggie Bush. What else can you ask for?

Seeing Adrian Peterson blossom last year into an elite back leads one to consider that this same evolution could be possible with McFadden. If he is added to our roster, watch for a strong play on a legitimate number one receiver during the offseason, which could in turn create a very explosive and potent offense.

So with the fourth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders select...Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas.