The Oakland Raiders Need to "Go Deep"

rob vatcher — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:58:40 -0500

One year ago, the Oakland Raiders selected the No. 1 overall pick in the draft—JaMarcus Russell. Visions of former Raiders' legends scrambling down the field for that Hail Mary were dancing in owner Al Davis's head, just like the good old days.

But wait, don’t the Raiders employ a West Coast offense under Head Coach Lane Kiffin that concentrates on dinks and dunks down the field while eating up the clock? Where is Cliff Branch? Is there someone with blazing speed to catch those deep balls?

With an arm like Russell’s, they surely need a deep threat in a wide receiver, but most importantly the playbook needs to accommodate such talent. With a rejuvenated run offense which compiled the sixth most yards in the NFL while playing from behind (which makes it truly remarkable), it may be time to draw up a few play action deep passes.

Maybe with the insertion of James Lofton as a receivers' coach and the acquisition of Walker the coaching staff will bring back the deep threat. It's just not the same Raiders without the long bomb—and they clearly have the QB to succeed.

Who knows? Maybe Kiffin will loosen up the conservative play-calling this season and go deep. At this point there isn't much for the Silver and Black to lose.

Oakland Raiders Draft Strategy: Let's Make a Deal

rob vatcher — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:38:38 -0500

With the 2008 NFL draft around the corner, the Raiders find themselves in a familiar position of late with the fourth overall selection.

There are several options for Al Davis and Lane Kiffin as they move forward under the media microscope which has followed the Raiders since the 2003 Super Bowl loss to Tampa.

With a weak free agent market this year, expect the Raiders to possibly trade their 4th overall pick to Dallas for their 22nd and 28th picks. After spending 1st overall pick money on Jamarcus Russell last year, Al won't want to overpay another draft pick. This will allow them to attack the running back, wide reciever, and D-line positions within the first 36 picks, without paying the big money.

Players who may still be around in these positions are Sweed, Jackson, and Doucet at wideout; Mendenhall, Jones, or Stewart at halfback;and Harvey, Merling, or Balmer on the D-line. Balmer would be best option at nose tackle but Kelly can be moved inside on a 4-3 scheme with Sands if drafting an end. The offensive line and strong saftey positions can be filled in later rounds and free agency. Maybe Adams from Dallas can be involved with the trade at left tackle.

Never mind the madness which has always existed in Oakland, the light can now be seen at the end of the tunnel. With a young defence gaining more experience under Ryan, a coach they love to play for, and a 6th-ranked rushing attack which came from the basement on the trails of Tom Cable's zone blocking O-line, the perfect storm may be brewing.

Al, pick up the phone and call Jerry Jones. Let's make a deal!

Bleacher Report - Articles by rob vatcher

The Oakland Raiders Need to "Go Deep"

Oakland Raiders Draft Strategy: Let's Make a Deal