Bleacher Report - Articles by jeremy baril

Jamarcus Russell: Misunderstood?

jeremy baril — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:11:00 -0400

Jamarcus Russell is a QB who is easily the most misunderstood QB in the NFL. He’s 6’6” 270 lbs, has a cannon for an arm, and is nearly as big as some of the defensive tackles he faces each week.

Because of his attributes and the fact he can launch a ball 80 yards on one knee, people forget to think about what are the best qualities Russell shows as a QB. People think because of his physical abilities automatically he’s a perfect Oakland Raider. However, they fail to account for the fact he was part of over 20 wins in two seasons at LSU.

Some of Russell’s knocks are actually his strengths. How about calm under pressure? In the fourth quarter against Tampa Bay, Russell knew the Raiders would win and wasn’t worried about the clock and told his teammates to “just chill.”

They question his accuracy, question his commitment, and question his desire to lead the team to greatness.

He is growing as a QB but slower than some folks hope for. Part of it is because he basically took his rookie year off so now that’s he’s in his third year everyone is saying he’s going to be a bust.

He’s going to improve each year. He improved over the course of last season and this should only continue into this upcoming season.

I actually believe Russell's holding out was actually a blessing in disguise because it allowed him to not be fed to the wolves behind a new offensive line and new scheme with Tom Cable. Since Russell didn’t sign his contract until after the season started he was able to avoid starting, ensuring everyone including the media wouldn’t be asking when Russell is going to start because they knew he wasn’t ready.

That has been the biggest aid to Russell’s development that no one really thinks about. Instead of getting the David Carr treatment he was able to sit for most of the year until the O-line was capable of giving him a little bit of time to throw.

People think he’s another dumb, lazy, “thug” dressing black QB from the south that fails in his leadership skills because he’s soft-spoken and doesn’t speak for large quantities of time.

People fail to realize the talent he brings to the field. They fail to look at his past and the fact he always has thrown more touchdowns than interceptions. They fail to see his progress from a part-time freshman starter to a rock solid junior leading his team to an 11-2 record and a butt-whooping of Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.

By taking a look at his progression in the SEC by starting part-time during his freshman season, starting his sophomore year, and then on to his junior season the numbers clearly improve each year.

One thing to remember when discussing Russell then and now is that people at the same time doubted Russell when he was LSU. They questioned his leadership. They questioned his work ethic. They failed to account for his will and desire to do well and improve each year as he progressed in the system.

His freshman season he was a part time starter and completed 50 percent of his passes, with nine touchdowns, four interceptions, and threw for for over 1000 yards. They lost in the bowl game, but not because of Russell. If it wasn't for Russell’s second half heroics in bringing the team back from a deficit they would've lost by several points. And to top it off the game was lost by a freak last play of the game.

His sophomore year he started 13 games, winning several games, but was injured for their bowl game win. His stats for that year: 60 percent pass completion, 15 TD’s, nine interceptions, throwing for 2400 yards.

His junior year he completed 68 percent of his passes, 28 TD’s, eight interceptions, and threw for over 3000 yards.

Each year he progressed. That’s important and people fail to account how he improved at LSU. It’s not like he didn’t have to work for the improvement and just showed up. He worked in a Pro Style offense for which his offensive coordinator raved about Russell’s ability to learn the offense without repeated questions.

It takes time for a QB to improve on a bad team that is growing up too. If he gets decent pass protection and some consistency out of his wide receivers this year, he should be able to complete 60 percent of his passes. It’s a near guarantee he’ll have a good TD to INT ratio something he’s never had an issue with at any time in his career.

There is plenty of potential and past experiences to believe Russell has what it takes to bring this team back. He’s a different player than what we traditionally think of a QB. Because he's not a rah, rah, go way overboard QB people are going to question his desire until the team wins.

If he only has one offensive coordinator, solid play from his O-line, and gains some chemistry with his receivers, Russell could easily improve on last year’s numbers this upcoming season.

Instead of ripping the organization for having to work through three offensive coordinators, two head coaches, and now the new aspects of the offensive scheme Ted Tollner is bringing into the fold, Russell keeps working without saying a word. That’s a man who doesn’t complain, he just keeps working.

The last six games should provide a glimpse into the future of Russell. Add some more protection from the offensive line and chemistry with his receivers and history repeats itself, he keeps improving and so does the team.

Denver Loses Out On Another Franchise Quarterback

jeremy baril — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:02:26 -0400

I've researched various media reports about Denver trading a first-round pick for a second-round pick in this year's draft for cornerback Alphonso Smith.

For the most part it was widely speculated Denver traded Chicago's 2010 first-round pick for the second-round pick, but it was actually Denver's 2010 first-round pick. Next year they'll still end up with a first-round pick, but if Chicago does well that first-round pick becomes a bottom-10 pick.

If Denver falls on their face this year, this will only add more insult to injury because Seattle will have their top-10 pick in the 2010 draft, one where they could've had a chance at landing a franchise quarterback like Colt McCoy or other premier studs not seen in this past year's very weak draft.

Just looking at next year's draft in no particular order of some studs:

QB Tim Tebow, QB Sam Bradford, QB Colt McCoy, SS Taylor Mays, DT Gerald McCoy, OT Russell Okung, WR Dez Bryant, WR Brandon Lafell, SS Eric Berry, among others.

Now instead of having a chance for McCoy, Denver will be hoping and praying Chicago fails with Cutler so there only pick in the first round ends up being much better.

Alphonso Smith may end up being a solid nickel back at 5'9", but he'll struggle against wide receivers 6' or taller. Not only is he short, but he had a 34" vertical at the combine. He's going to struggle against tall wide receivers with hops.

Looking at wide receivers in the AFC West, about the only wide receivers Smith will have a chance at covering would be Bobby Engram, Johnnie Lee Higgins and Chris Chambers.

If Smith doesn't become a starting cornerback in this league he's going to be looked at as a major bust, especially if Denver ends up being among the top 10 worst teams in the league which is quite possible.

Combine the trading of Jay Cutler with the disastrous idea to trade for Alphonso Smith with a very difficult schedule and Josh McDaniels tenure in Denver becomes tenuous at best.

Unless Denver goes 8-8 and improves as the season goes on McDaniels head will be on the chopping block. Had he been smart he would've realized attempting to trade for Matt Cassel was a mistake. He should've kept Cutler and put his whole focus on the defense thus improving the team just enough to be in playoff contention.

A Silver & Black Team?

jeremy baril — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 01:29:33 -0400

Team – A group organized to work together

While watching the post-Jon Gruden Oakland Raiders,one notices that the players have too often missed assignments and lacked the drive to finish plays off. Overall, they seemed to be playing for their contracts rather than being members of a team.

It’s been a miserable six years, but I finally saw hope last season once Lane Kiffin was fired and Tom Cable was named interim head coach.

Cable inherited a disorganized team. Last offseason, and up until Kiffin's firing after the fourth game of the season, the team seemed in disarray.

The Oakland squad that Cable inherited was among another group of players that didn’t play as a team and tended to fold when they had nothing to play for.

Combined with taking care of his players, he also realized he had to cut or bench players who weren’t doing what was necessary for the team (and instead, what was bad for the environment he was creating).

DeAngelo Hall was a major bust in the man scheme and was released halfway through the season. Gibril Wilson was released because he was poor in coverage and had a bad attitude. Ronald Curry was released because he had a bad attitude and couldn’t hold on to the ball.

This past offseason, we’ve seen no drama, solid free agent additions, smart player releases, and players we would expect the Raiders to draft. We haven’t seen players being arrested, asking to be traded, wanting new contracts, or players complaining about the system.

He hired head coaches who are great teachers with successful histories in the NFL. Cable and his new defensive coordinator John Marshall are on the same page—something Lane Kiffin and Rob Ryan weren’t ever on during the past two seasons.

This has changed the atmosphere and has provided a better team environment.

Cable has finally created a team. When players are openly stating that Cable would do anything for them and professing their love for him, then I at least know this team is moving in the right direction.

Seeing how the team performed during the back to back wins over Houston and Tampa Bay, and how they have acted his offseason, I believe we’ll finally see an organized group of players playing as a TEAM.

Teams that win in the NFL are organized and play as a team—not as a group of players. Tom Cable is the man for the job and has built a team.

The Biggest NFL Trades This Offseason and Their Impact

jeremy baril — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:38:50 -0400

I decided to look at the four most recent trades this offseason which involved starting positions. Obviously the trades which get the biggest media coverage during any offseason always involve a franchise a player. Rarely, if ever, do you see a franchise QB traded. If you do then obviously it’s going to be by far the most scrutinized trade.

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The Sky Is Falling In Denver: Marshall States He's Leaving

jeremy baril — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:30:19 -0400

If you read Brandon Marshall's blog you'll have noticed that Brandon Marshall has stated he is leaving Denver:

"To whom it may concern. Life is filled with change, and where I am in my life now change is probably best. It's hard leaving an organization ran by one of the best owners in all of sports, and someone who's been there for me through my ups and downs. The hardest thing was hearing Mr. B wish me luck in the future, but we both came to the conclusion that this is probably the best for me to grown on and off the field.

I thank the Denver fans who embraced my emotion and play on the field and showing me love every time I step outside my door."

Source: http://www.bmarshall15.com/blog/?p=142#more-142

What's Going On In Donkey Land?

jeremy baril — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:04:41 -0400

Prior to the end of the Denver Broncos' season, Mike Shanahan was head coach of the second best offense in the league. After a three-game slide when one win would’ve put the team into the playoffs the head coach was fired, the offensive coordinator left and the owner brought in a 32-year-old green head coach Josh McDaniels.

McDaniels has been an offensive coordinator for the past three years, but that was in a system that was already successful prior to McDaniels being brought on board.

After McDaniels was named head coach he tried unsuccessfully to trade Jay Cutler for Matt Cassel, his starting quarterback last year with New England. This ruffled the feathers of Cutler and his high-ego so Cutler forced a trade.

He was traded for a quarterback who was placed in a restrictive offense to ensure he didn’t make many mistakes and some draft picks.

After signing free agent runningbacks Lamont Jordan and Correll Buckhalter the team decided to add another horse to its stable with its first pick, even though the team's defense was the worst in the AFC West and fourth worst overall.

They then traded their extra 2010 first round pick from the Bears for a 5’9” cornerback in the second round. Several general managers and analysts all pointed out this draft was the weakest draft in recent memory. Even Bill Polian stated this draft was the weakest in his memory. The biggest issue I have with the trading of the pick is that next year’s draft is expected to be loaded, and Denver certainly could’ve used that extra pick next year.

Now the latest issue with the McDaniels regime is their star wide receiver Brandon Marshall wants to be traded. If Marshall indeed gets traded for what would most likely end up being a draft pick or two next year, Denver’s really going to struggle on offense. Today the team signed wide receiver Brandon Lloyd who has bounced around several teams throughout his short career.

For the last several years the Raiders have been the AFC West team in turmoil, now it appears the forced John Elway trade from the Colts has finally bitten the Broncos in the ass. In one offseason they will lose their franchise quarterback and their star wide receiver in one fell swoop.

If McDaniels doesn’t lead Denver to a .500 record or the playoffs, he could be looking at offensive coordinator jobs again next offseason.

Is JaMarcus Russell's Partying Really That Bad?

jeremy baril — Sat, 23 May 2009 10:23:39 -0400

Take a look at the following 4 QB's and unfortunate photos that were taken of them. How does Russell's partying photos compare to other QB's recent negative press photos? I believe after you look at all 4 you'll decide Russell's was just another person being caught with their drink in their hand, nothing bad.

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Jamarcus Russell's Accuracy Linked to More Blitzes?

jeremy baril — Sat, 23 May 2009 02:07:58 -0400

Recently while reading quotes from Tom Cable with regard to the recent Organized Team Activities (OTA’s), I’ve come under the impression Jamarcus Russell is being asked to not only to adjust a vertical offense, but also do this under a constant barrage of pressure unlike previous years.

Tom Cable recently discussed the hiring of Defensive Coordinator John Marshall and how the defense is bringing the heat in practice:

I like what he's bringing to the defense...the pressure. One of the things I wanted to do, probably more for the offense and more for the quarterback position, was to get us under duress right away. We started it in minicamp and we'll continue it all throughout OTA because I don't think we did a very good job the last couple of years of handling the blitz pressure and really understanding where I've got to go with the football and what I need to check through, if I need a different protection, so I want to start that right from the beginning. We've done a nice job of that and the defense has heated it up pretty good and offensively we seem to be getting a little better at it every day so we're improving that way.

Not only is Russell learning another system, he’s under constant duress. Obviously the O-line can’t cut block in practice, but Russell is learning under a much better system than Lane Kiffin or Greg Knapp had him run.

I know in years past Ryan blitzed frequently in practice, but from my understanding they are blitzing more.

When I think about Russell learning another system against a defense that is more prepared and blitzing, it actually makes me happier to understand a lot of these struggles come from the fact he’s thinking about everything.

Once Russell doesn’t have to think and he can just do, he’s going to be awesome. Peyton Manning just does it. He doesn’t have to think too much because he’s practiced with his team for several years and he knows where certain players are going to be on each play give or take a yard or two.

Russell should get to the point where he knows the correct audible when he sees a coverage he doesn’t like. This happens threw plenty of practice and it appears Cable is headstrong on teaching these skills to him.

The biggest thing right now with Russell’s development is patience. This is going to take time. It’s not an overnight process. I’ve seen too many fans call for Russell’s head and want to start Jeff Garcia over Russell because they believe Garcia gives the Raiders a better chance to win now.

I’m not worried about now. I’m fine if the Raiders win 7 games this year. I want more of course, but if they win 7 with Russell then I know the following year they’ll be a playoff team because he’ll improve even more.

If I worried about now, the Raiders would only be in the same predicament next season as Garcia’s arm would fall off if he had to play as a full-time starter in a vertical offense.

After this offseason and another full year as a starter, expect to see much bigger things with this offense. At the same time expect to see growing pains and don't get too frustrated provided Russell is improving.

Improvement is the biggest worry at this point. If he continues to improve then you'll know Jamarcus Russell has a future in the NFL.

Who Was a Bigger Reach: Darrius Heyward-Bey or Tyson Jackson?

jeremy baril — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:38:18 -0400

Being an Oakland Raiders fan and seeing all of the negative comments with regards to the drafting of Darrius Heyward-Bey with the seventh pick in the draft, I decided to take a look at another pick in the draft, and I’m curious why there’s not an inkling of negative press about defensive end Tyson Jackson being drafted third overall by the Kansas City Chiefs?

Most media outlets and draft boards had Brian Orakpo as the top defensive end in this draft followed by Aaron Maybin. Jackson was expected to come off of the board in the middle of the first round. Even Mel Kiper had Tyson Jackson ranked as the 16th best player in this draft. Todd McShay had Jackson going to Denver with the 12th pick with two ends being picked before Jackson (Orakpo and Maybin).

Why didn’t the Chiefs trade down if it was so easy to trade down? Based off of the media’s outrage over Davis choosing Heyward-Bey with the seventh pick and not trading down, why couldn’t the Chiefs trade down to pick up more picks and pay less to their new defensive end? Now they get to pay top-three money to a player who wasn’t even considered the premier defensive end in this year’s draft?

The Chiefs more than anything needed a dominating nose tackle for their 3-4 defense, and B.J. Raji was the more ideal pick for them. Yes, they have defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, but he’s undersized as a nose tackle and undersized at the defensive end position in the 3-4.

Had the Raiders been in exactly the same situation, they’ve would’ve been called out. The only reason Heyward-Bey was called out is because he was drafted by the Raiders and his measurables fit Davis’ speed/height/weight preferences. Had Heyward-Bey been drafted by anyone other than the Raiders, I highly doubt the pick would’ve had so much negative press.

Heyward-Bey was expected to come off of the board by the middle of the first round, if not by the 20th pick (the Giants expressed interest in trading up for him). The Raiders didn’t need Jeremy Maclin because he’s a carbon-copy of another receiver on the roster, Johnnie Lee Higgins (both speed and special teams ability). The Raiders also didn’t need Michael Crabtree, as he was going to duplicate a position for which the Raiders already have a possession receiver in Chaz Schilens. Heyward-Bey is a system fit for the vertical offense Tom Cable is installing.

So the Chiefs take their perfect system fit player and it's fine and dandy, but the Raiders do exactly the same thing and it's instant madness? If you want to call either player a “reach,” well then both fit the example perfectly.

The only reason the Raiders get called out is because they are the Raiders. Any Raider fan knows about the media bias by ESPN and other outlets.

If the Raiders reach, it's bad, but if New England reaches or any other team for that matter reaches, then it’s OK because they know what they are doing?

Al's New Track Team Of Football Players

jeremy baril — Sun, 17 May 2009 15:03:09 -0400

Can you say Al finally has his track team? Yes you can, but at the same time unlike other attempts these WR’s have the ability to play football and aren’t track stars first although they have track speed. When you have speed in high school the track team wants you to run and it’s good for football because you learn how to run faster.

Chaz Schilens- 4.38 40, 43” vertical

Darrius Heywaryd-Bey: 4.3 40, 40” vertical

Johnnie Lee Higgins- 4.3 40

Darren McFadden- 4.33 40

However track unfairly labels some players as track stars first. Example, DHB is super fast and actually played basketball before he ran track or played football yet analysts point to his speed and say he’s a track star first. Schilens when healthy produced large numbers in college and his measurables are eerily equal to Calvin Johnson’s. McFadden obviously put up huge numbers at Arkansas.

DHB didn’t put up large numbers, but he was the only playmaker on a horrible offense. He did average 15 yards a catch and when he did get the ball he was a threat. I’m not comparing DHB to Randy Moss, but at least Moss had Chad Pennington as his QB at Marshall unlike DHB who had four QB’s in three years none of which will be drafted or have hopes of playing on Sundays.

With the drafting of both WR’s Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy, the Raiders WR unit appears to be on the way to becoming a major strength. A year or two more of developing the relationship of DHB, Chaz Schilens, Johnnie Lee Higgins, TE Zach Miller, and RB Darren McFadden will create a dynamic offense capable of putting six on the board on any play.

I see DHB as a Roy Williams or TO but with definitely faster type of player. Both players catch the ball with their hands and both players have been known to drop a few catchable balls in key games. DHB analysis talked about his ability to catch the ball. Make no mistake he'll drop balls, but more often than not like the other wideouts above, he'll make plenty of key grabs and will most likely lead the league in longest TD's.

The best and most important thing I’ve heard about DHB is that in practice his routes he were solid, even against Nnamdi. His eyes gave him away against Nnamdi but that’s something he’ll learn as he practices against the best CB in the game. He was still cutting where should and his routes were better than the coaches expected.

The position at No. 1 is Chaz Schilens for the taking, but will injuries derail him again like they have most years he’s played football? Both Schilens and Walker are vying for No. 1, but I believe DHB is going to have the No. 2 based off of his explosion and fear he’ll give defensive coordinators. Provided Schilens stay healthy, the No. 1 & No. 2 will be Schilens & DHB.

RB Darren McFadden will become a key contributor on play-action or on plays where he lines up in the slot and has a one-one-one against a LB or nickel back. McFadden could become a Marshall Faulk type RB in this offense because of his versatility.

And the happiest receiver on the roster right who’s licking his chops after the drafting of DHB? TE Zach Miller that’s who. He’s got to be salivating for the many opportunities he’s going to have finding soft spots in zones that are trying to prevent the speedsters from getting big gains.

Whenever DHB starts putting fear into defenses, he’s going to cause defenses having to give up the short gain to Miller rather than the big gains to Schilens, DHB, Higgins, or McFadden. If any of those WR’s catches the ball in space, every D is going to be worried about a quick six.

Higgins is fast, but he put up big numbers at UTEP. He wasn’t a track star first, he is a football player first. I’ve seen discussion of Higgins being banished to the bench. Higgins isn't banished, but his role was never to become a No. 1 or No. 2 WR.

His role is as a No. 3 who has speed and moves to catch the ball in space and take it for six. He's not going to be banished by any means, but he won't be on the field as he was last year. Last year was a necessity for him with key injuries, this year he'll go back to being a role player with the addition of DHB.

This WR unit isn't going to be playing at full capability this season, at least not right away. It’s going to take some time and growth for both Russell and DHB and that includes just getting to know where your wideout is going to be, kind of like Peyton Manning while he had Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, and Edgerrin James.

It took Peyton, Aikman, and other QB’s a few years to develop the needed relationship with their wideouts to become a dominant unit. It wasn’t overnight.

I look forward to the development of these Raiders. These WR’s have every opportunity to become a group that strikes fear into any defensive coordinator who is tasked to stop them.

Yes Al finally has his “track team” but I look forward to seeing these wideouts play this upcoming season and taking it to house because not only are they football players, but they have breakaway “track” speed.

Blue Collar with a Corvette

jeremy baril — Tue, 05 May 2009 00:07:50 -0400

Two words describe Tom Cable and how he's building this Raiders team, blue collar.

This team is being built as a run team first. Typically it's been the other way around, pass to set up the run.

Cable is building his O-line the way he knows how to build one. This isn't your typical O-line with 320 lb tackles next to even bigger guards. This O-line is being built with players willing to do what's necessary to be successful at the zone blocking scheme.

These players are more athletic (Satele instead of Grove), agile, and have the ability to make the much hated cut block. For the first time in several years this team has competition for the tackle positions.

Think back to the Denver Broncos teams of the 1990s which was built on lineman similar to what Cable has with the Raiders now. None of those players were really known players. They were undrafted rookie free agents and players cut from other squads.

Cable is building an O-line that's going to be a road-grading O-line that'll be moving D-lines all day long, especially when this team is running at full force with 2 TE's, 1 FB, and RB Michael Bush. Defenses should be afraid of getting pounded time after time.

Add a dose of RB Justin Fargas for more beatdown pleasure, and then a taste of RB Darren McFadden to come in and break a big one against a tired D. If they choose play action, then McFadden, Heyward-Bey, and Miller could be the receivers with either of them breaking free for big gains against a D that has stacked the box, afraid of the run.

Players he's brought in via the draft and free agency this year have shown the blue collar work ethic for which Cable is trying to create throughout this team. Darrius Heyward-Bey was considered by some a suspect choice; the work ethic he displayed in college and high school should lead to good returns.

Mike Mitchell, Matt Shaugnessey, Louis Murphy, Slade Norris, and Brandon Meyers are all high character, high motor, good work ethic prospects. Add unrestricted rookie free agent, MLB, Frantz Joseph and DT/DE, Desmond Bryant, and you are adding some talent to the overall team that has the blue collar work ethic that Cable is looking to build off of.

The offense should only get better and the Raiders are now going to be consistently among the league leaders on special teams play. There should be some improvement simply by replacing Rob Ryan with John Marshall.

Players need to understand their role and not be lied to by their head coach. Tom Cable has done a remarkable job of remaking the attitude of this team. It's becoming a blue collar team that plays hard all the way down to the last play. The team didn't fade in game 15 like they have for the past six years.

Although you might ask, why do I say blue collar with a Corvette? Cable will provide a dominant blue collar rushing attack that will be augmented by his Corvette—Darrius Heyward-Bey, Darren McFadden, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Chaz Schilens, Zach Miller, and possibly Walker.

If the O-line can provide Russell with enough time to throw the ball, Russell should have no problem hitting the open target, which will usually be Zach Miller. If Schilens, Higgins, Heyward-Bey, or McFadden touch the ball then the defense will hope they don't catch the ball in space!

Normally, any Raiders head coach could easily snag a Terrell Owens or trade for a disgruntled WR Ocho Cinco. Not Tom Cable. He could've talked Al into bringing him in, but Cable knows the true value of the old blue collar teamwork and what that should mean to the team in the future.

Have patience Raiders fans, as Tom Cable is finally building the team the way a team needs to be built. He's drafting the right type of players and bringing in only the players that fit his system.

It's going to be blue collar, but like any Raiders team, it's going to have Corvette offensive playmakers.

Michael Crabtree and Texas Tech Wide Receivers

jeremy baril — Sun, 03 May 2009 01:16:57 -0400

Although I have to admit Michael Crabtree does have amazing hands, looking at WR's that have come out of Texas Tech and have struggled does provide for some interesting comparisons and add to the thought process in terms of how will Crabtree handle adjusting to the Pro Game?

Looking back at recent WR's who have donned the Red Raider jersey since 2004.

2004- Jarrett Hicks 76 rec, 1177 yards, 13 TD’s

2005- Joel Filani 65 rec, 1048 yards, 8 TD’s

2006- Joel Filani 91 rec, 1300 yards, 13 TD’s

2007- Michael Crabtree 134 rec, 1962 yards, 22 TD’s

2008- Michael Crabtree 97 rec, 1165 yards, 19 TD’s

Obviously you are going to score a lot of TD's in a pass heavy offense, especially when in two seasons you catch the ball 231 times, or a 13.5 avg yard per reception which isn't that remarkably high as a college player.

Leach has had plenty of players put up the numbers. But is Michael Crabtree's perceived greatness tied to these numbers? Is the fact no Texas Tech WR since 2004 has adjusted to the NFL a concern?

With that said, it must be noted that Tech produced slot receiving extraordinaire Wes Welker in 2004. However, when one looks at the recent history of Tech graduates, the undrafted receiver and current Patriots slot man must be considered the exception to the rule rather than the standard.

Even Welker's counterpart across the field in 2003, Carlos Francis, put up big numbers in Lubbock (69 rec, 1087 yards, 9 TD's), but struggled to produce in the NFL after being drafted in the Raiders in 2004. He was released in 2007.

The biggest concern for San Francisco fans is whether or not Crabtree will be able to get off of press coverage. The Big 12 was exposed as a weak defensive league during the bowl games so most of Crabtree's numbers came against suspect defenses. In turn, defenses gave him a cushion every time he lined up.

Was Al Davis more genius for seeing the negatives with Crabtree and the upside to Darrius Heyward-Bey and therefore picked DHB over Crabtree?

Imagine putting Darrius Heyward-Bey in an offense like this or the USC Pro Style offense. What kind of numbers would he have put up in a high-powered offense with other playmakers?

Would DHB playing in a better offense justify his lofty draft position? I believe so and Al will indeed have the last laugh.

A Different Look at Darrius Heyward-Bey

jeremy baril — Fri, 01 May 2009 00:05:40 -0400

I wanted to take a different look at Darrius Heyward-Bey, something other than the usual defending of why Al took him No. 7 or the various articles that have discussed why Al's lost it. I wanted to take an alternative look at DHB after reading an article I came across which talked about him from his mother's perspective and others like his head coach at Maryland. I've also included quotes and facts about his life.

For example when it comes to DHB being a track star instead of football player:

People don't understand that he was a basketball player and not a professionally trained track runner, a label put on him often throughout his college career. According to Vivian Heyward-Bey, he didn't even get his first pair of track cleats until midway through his freshman year of high school.

On another note, Ralph Friedgen talked about where DHB is at as a WR:

Terp coach Ralph Friedgen puts Heyward-Bey's development at 60 percent and likes the chances that he'll reach his full potential—unlike some recent physical marvels who failed to produce as expected in the NFL, such as Ohio State's Ted Ginn or Michigan State's Charles Rogers.

"He's one of these kids who is not only blessed with great athleticism and speed, but he also has a great work ethic," Friedgen said. "I don't think he's a finished product by any stretch of the imagination."

Speed, something about his pure speed which could be a factor in this offense:

When the pass left former Terrapin quarterback Sam Hollenbach's hand, it seemed hopelessly overthrown.

But on this overcast March afternoon at the Terp practice field, there were at least two people who believed the ball was catchable. One of them, a short woman in a black dress, was just looking up from searching through her purse for a water bottle to cure a coughing fit brought on by seasonal allergies.

"Go get it," Vivian Heyward-Bey said softly, breaking briefly from an interview with a reporter.

As if on command, her son, Darrius, running a deep sideline pattern, turned to look over his opposite shoulder and calmly yelled, "I got it! I got it!" Showcasing the blistering speed that has made him one of the most coveted wide receivers in the 2009 NFL Draft, Heyward-Bey reached out and snagged the errant pass."

He is obviosuly considered a little raw, but that catch had a positive impact on the type of player he could become:

But that's also what intrigues NFL scouts. It's hard to teach catches like the one at Pro Timing Day or how he effortlessly turned short passes into big plays during his Terp career. Now, he's focusing on route running and catching more consistently.

Everything I've read about DHB and have heard from Maryland fans is that he's very, very underrated and that Oakland got a steal. Several people have stated he got the raw deal from the networks and were thrilled when Oakland took him No. 7.

I seriously believe he's going to have the work ethic and determination to become a very good player in the NFL and after a year or two the pundits won't apologize but they'll admit it was a great pick.

I could talk about his offense or the fact he played for four quarterbacks in three seasons. I could mention the fact Maryland had the 64th best passing attack and the 61st best rushing attack this past year. I could mention that the offense lacked any playmakers and that only a LG & TE were drafted, and they were taken in the seventh round.

I believe DHB is going to become a stud and the Raiders won't be looking like they reached for him. Davis wasn't going to take the chance on losing the chance at this future stud.

Quotes taken from Diamondback Online.

Debunking Another Al Davis/Raiders Myth: Eight Seconds To Throw?

jeremy baril — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:56:54 -0400

First off, I want to state that this article has nothing to do with what slot WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (DHB) was drafted. It's about the bias at ESPN, specifically from "geniuses" Cris Carter and Trent Dilfer.

Recently at the 2009 NFL Draft, Trent Dilfer gave his opinion on the Oakland Raiders' drafting of WR DHB and how the offense is outdated and not capable of performing because the QB won’t have eight seconds to scan the field.

I sure hope no one actually believes Tom Cable and Al Davis really believe Russell will have seven to eight seconds to sit in the pocket and chuck the ball.

Yes, it's obvious Al loves speed, but does anyone really believe DHB was brought in because it would take him eight seconds to get 80 yards downfield?

I believe it’s because Cable and Al know once DHB beats his man and gets a few steps on him, Russell only needs a few seconds to get the ball out to him for a 40-50 yard pass.

DHB’s biggest presence on this team won’t be his stats, it’ll be the way he’ll allow single coverage to the other receivers. Teams aren’t going to put DHB in single coverage. They’ll have to double him, because if he gets past anyone, it’s a very high chance (at least 75 percent) he’ll come down with the ball and score a quick six.

Once teams are forced into double coverage for DHB, Schilens, Higgins, Miller, and McFadden/Bush should all shine.

Miller should have plenty of room to get quick five to seven-yard gains, thus keeping the chains going. If the Raiders go to two WRs, they could line up with Schilens/Higgins and DHB and their two-TE set. The play action could be a very tricky situation with a super fast DHB outside.

Obviously, the previous part of this article only referred to the passing game. The Raiders have always used the pass to set up the run and will continue to do so. Bush and McFadden should have plenty of opportunities for big rushing lanes provided DHB forces the D to not stack the box.

I admit, I wanted Crabtree, but considering he’s a fashion freak and talks to his coach about fashion instead of the game, Crabtree could very well end up a bust if football isn’t his number No. 1 priority. Instead of game tape and learning the playbook, he’ll be looking at fashion BS.

It’s obviously a priority with DHB, and I look forward to seeing what he can do for this team.

With the No. 7 Pick in the Draft, Oakland Raiders Select LT Andre Smith

jeremy baril — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:50:06 -0400

With the recent development of Detroit talking with Matt Stafford, Aaron Curry, and Jason Smith, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at three scenarios if they do take one of those players and what could happen to the Top 10.

Notice for each scenario I couldn’t decide who the Raiders should pick in that slot. Included in this scenario is the fact I no longer believe Michael Crabtree will be available once the Raiders pick, unless Seattle and Cleveland bypass him.

In addition, I have BJ Raji falling no lower sixth to Cincinnati.

Scenario One:

Detroit- Matt Stafford

St Louis- Jason Smith

Kansas City- Aaron Curry

Seattle- Eugene Monroe

Cleveland- Michael Crabtree

Cincinnati- BJ Raji

Oakland- ?

Jacksonville- Mark Sanchez

Green Bay- Everette Brown

San Francisco- Andre Smith

Scenario Two:

Detroit- Aaron Curry

St Louis- Jason Smith

Kansas City- BJ Raji

Seattle- Matt Stafford

Cleveland- Michael Crabtree

Cincinnati- Eugene Monroe

Oakland- ?

Jacksonville- Mark Sanchez

Green Bay- Brian Orakpo

San Francisco- Andre Smith

Scenario Three:

Detroit- Jason Smith

St Louis- Eugene Monroe

Kansas City- Aaron Curry

Seattle- Matt Stafford

Cleveland- Michael Crabtree

Cincinnati- BJ Raji

Oakland- ?

Jacksonville- Mark Sanchez

Green Bay- Everette Brown

San Francisco- Andre Smith

Two obvious needs for the Raiders are off the board in these three scenarios (Michael Crabtree and BJ Raji). What happens when these two players are gone? Do they draft Andre Smith, Jeremy Maclin, Brian Orakpo, Everette Brown, or try to trade down provided Mark Sanchez falls into their laps?

If a trade down doesn't occur, personally I'd prefer Andre Smith even if he ends up a RT. I'd hate to take either Orakpo or Brown and either of them end up busts in a 4-3. Smith regardless of his past indiscretions was the No. 1 LT coming out prior to the combine. As I've seen plenty other comments about him, "the eye in the sky doesn't lie."

My pick is Andre Smith based on those three scenarios, but I left the Oakland picks blank for you to decide who should go there?

The Marshall Plan: The New Defensive Coaching Staff's Effect on the Raiders

jeremy baril — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:10:17 -0400

For the last six years, Rob Ryan had no idea what he was doing year in and year out. Prior to Lane Kiffin being fired, both he and Ryan seemed at odds. Once Cable became the interim head coach, that unfair relationship to the rest of the team was finally gone.

Now Ryan is gone and in comes John Marshall, a man who obviously hasn’t set the world on fire with his awesome D, but has shown throughout the years that he can put a plan together. He should have no problem doing things to right the basic fundamentals this defense lacks and has lacked since Ryan took over.

Dwaine Board has had very good DL units under his watch and should be better at lighting a fire under the current starters. Lionel Washington was let go by a new D head coach as well, but had success with Charles Woodson and other CBs for Green Bay over the past few years.

Cable has talked about how the new staff is better at educating. Marshall, Board, and Washington should do much better in teaching the pure fundamentals.

Ryan, Keith Millard, and Darren Perry were not good teachers. It’s very ridiculous to have seen so many missed assignments by a defense. It’s inexplicable how over a series of plays the team can make every play, but then for a few downs just give up big gain after big gain.

If Turdell Sands is kept for another season and doesn’t perform like he did in 2006, he needs to be cut immediately. A starter to rotate in is needed from the draft here, even if Sands becomes a solid DT and they can’t land DT B.J. Raji or Ron Brace.

Obviously, the Raiders defense still needs to some depth and a few starters, but I believe it’s going to turn the corner this year based on pure fundamentals, something Marshall and this new defensive coaching staff will hammer into the players.

Oakland Trades #7 Pick: Top 10 Mock Draft Part II

jeremy baril — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:38:23 -0400

After playing around with the various picks and seeing how players are moving up I decided to do another Mock Draft.

This is similar to my last mock in that I had the first three picks the same. However with WR Braylon Edwards nearing a deal to be traded to the G-Men (I never thought it would happen), Cleveland could be a spot for Crabtree provided Seattle decides to draft Aaron Curry instead of Mark Sanchez. Two players I imagine Mangini would like would now be gone (Raji & Curry) and thus he would take the best available player left on the board, Michael Crabtree.

If this were to occur, Cincinnati would then take the best LT remaining and Oakland would be fielding several trade proposals for Sanchez because Jacksonville could be a likely destination for him if he’s still there when they pick.

Does Oakland trade down or do they take a chance on Jeremy Maclin, DE Brian Orakpo (whom many analysts are calling this year’s Vernon Gholston), or LT Andre Smith? Do they reach for LT Michael Oher (whom I believe is another Mario Henderson)?

1: Detroit- Matt Stafford

2: St Louis- Eugene Monroe

3: Kansas City- BJ Raji

4: Seattle- Aaron Curry

5: Cleveland- Michael Crabtree

6: Cincinnati- Jason Smith

7: Oakland- Possible trade down because Sanchez is in Al’s lap?

8: Jacksonville- Jeremy Maclin

9: Green Bay- Brian Orakpo

10: San Fran- Andre Smith

I still don't believe Oakland will trade down, but if Crabtree & Raji are off of the board, what do they do? The DE's in this class are loaded and one could still be available in the second or they could hope DE Kyle Moore is available in the third round.

What are your thoughts?

Myth or Fact: Oakland's Al Davis Takes a DB or CB in Every Draft

jeremy baril — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 21:53:25 -0400

Myth: Al Davis takes a DB or CB in every draft.

Truth: Since 1963 (Davis' first year with team) the team didn’t take a DB these years: ’64, ’65, ’67, ’83, ’86, ’94, ’95, ’96, ’97, ’99, ’00, ’04, and ’06.

That’s 13 times in 45 years, or 29 percent of the time he didn’t take a CB or DB.

I could look further into this number and take safeties like Vann McElory, Patrick Bates, Derrick Gibson, and other safeties to make the percent Davis hasn’t a drafted a CB or DB meant to play CB or nickel higher.

I honestly would’ve believed Davis would draft a CB or DB at least 80 percent of the time, and was stunned that it was lower.

1988 NFL Draft Revisited

jeremy baril — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:58:44 -0400

Two years ago every analyst out there chose the Raiders to draft Calvin Johnson because of his height/weight/speed ratios. This year it’s Darius Heyward-Bey.

At the time of the 1988 NFL Draft, I was in the sixth grade and there wasn’t much talk in my circle about the NFL Draft.

I want to ask those older fans about what their opinions were pre-‘88 NFL Draft about the six WR’s who were drafted in the first round and what they thought then?

Were they disappointed at the time the Raiders took Brown and not Sharpe or Irvin? Did they want the three WR’s that ended up busts: Anthony Miller, Aaron Cox, and Wendell Davis?

The following players were drafted:

No. 6 WR Tim Brown

No. 7 WR Sterling Sharpe

No. 11 WR Michael Irvin

No. 15 WR Anthony Miller

No. 20 WR Aaron Cox

No. 27 WR Wendell Davis (last pick)

I remember that Sterling was more of a possession WR and Brown, before the knee injury, was more of a speedster with awesome hands.

I don’t remember anything about Irvin at Miami—other than the fact that he was an All-American—or the last three receivers: Miller, Cox, and Davis who were unfortunately busts.

This is the last time Al has drafted a WR in the top 10, therefore it would interesting to see what the analysts were thinking at that time, and if there is anything to glean off those months prior to the draft and look at Crabtree, Maclin, Nicks, & Heyward-Bey this year.

Personally I don’t believe Al will use the measurables to determine who his WR will be. I believe he’ll take the best available player if Crabtree is available.

I believe his numbers are inflated because of the system he played in, however I believe his hands and the catch he made against Texas solidified his place as the No. 1 WR in this draft.

What’s your opinion?

Raiders Get Crabtree- An Updated Top 10 Mock Draft

jeremy baril — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:08:27 -0400

Here's an updated Top 10 Mock NFL Draft. I have Michael Crabtree falling to the Raiders once the draft actually starts, all Pro Day events, and obviously visits have been completed.

I believe after Stafford’s Pro Day he has become the top rated QB. USC’s Pro Day is typically last if not one of the last and Sanchez is expected to shine. If he does he could move himself up into the same discussion with Stafford.

1: Detroit- QB Matt Stafford- Calvin Johnson anyone? Culpepper can only do so much and Stafford/Johnson could be QB/WR partnership for years. Johnson will make any QB look better and I believe Stafford is headed to be a bust but he fulfills a major need that has to be addressed. If Stafford succeeds elsewhere and they pass on him then it will another PR blunder. Obviously this pick can be Sanchez too with Seattle taken who is left over.

2: St Louis- LT Eugene Monroe fills an obvious need with Pace leaving. This team has needs across the board, but LT must be solved.

3: Kansas City- DT BJ Raji is immediate upgrade over Glenn Dorsey. Using Dorsey as a NT is like trying to put a square peg in a round hole. Dorsey is barely over 300 lbs and 6’. Most 3-4 NT’s tend to be 6’2” 320 lbs or bigger. They could sign Curry, but if Dorsey is getting bulldozed Curry won’t be doing anything.

4: Seattle: QB Matt Sanchez could sit for a year and provide this team a future solid QB if not Pro Bowl. He’s raw therefore he needs to sit a year (Carson Palmer), but with Hasselback being injury prone and 33 Sanchez could fill the need in ’10.

5: Cleveland- OLB Aaron Curry would be a great fit for Mangini & Rob Ryan’s new 3-4 D and he’s the best available D player if not the best available player left in the draft.

6: Cincinnati- LT Jason Smith would help solidify a need spot for Cincy, they could also go D here.

7: Oakland- WR Michael Crabtree is the obvious pick because he’s the best player available and fills a major need. Crabtree is the only WR who should immediately come in and make an impact. I highly doubt it will be a Pro Bowl impact, but if he can make any impact the rest of the offense should shine.

8: Jacksonville- WR Jeremy Maclin fills an obvious need and really helps the Special Teams. Having both Maclin would allow Jones-Drew to sit out punt returns and also grow as a WR. I don’t believe Maclin won’t put up much stats in terms of WR this year, but I do believe he’ll grow as the season progresses and should be good after a year under his belt.

9: Green Bay- DE turned OLB in a 3-4 Everette Brown would help provide some pressure along with their other OLB Aaron Kampman.

10: San Francisco- LT Andre Smith would fill a major need. There are only a handful of coaches that’ll be able to coax Smith into becoming dominant (take Nick Saban for example) and I believe Singletary would get through to him to perform. Andre Smith has the most potential out of all of the LT’s, but does he have the desire?

Oakland Raiders: Now That I Can See the Light

jeremy baril — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:52:18 -0400

Being a Raiders fan, I constantly hear negative talk about how horrible the offense is and how this team is years away from being competitive. No matter how I hard I try, even fellow Raider fans I know even believe the ship is going down fast.

However, I look at this rebuilding project as a glass half full. In 2007, prior to Al hiring Kiffin, Al admitted that the hiring of Art Shell set this franchise back many years.

Al knew something had to be done to this team and especially his offense. The offense was constructed of players who wouldn’t start on any decent team in the NFL, but because of a porous offense they were able to notch down starting positions.

He knew a major rebuilding project was going to be undertaken for which most fans have seen as a failure because of the continued losing.

However, if you’ve noticed the changes, you’ll see how drastic this team has changed and how finally 2009 looks like a season that will put the Raiders back into being a respectable team and not a pushover.

In 2006, the following players were starters on the offense:

QB: Aaron Brooks

FB: Zach Crockett

RB: Justin Fargas

RB: ReShard Lee

LT: Robert Gallery

LG: Paul McQuistan

C: Jake Grove

RG: Kevin Booth

RT: Langston Walker

TE: Randall Williams

WR:Randy Moss

WR Johnnie Morant

WR: Doug Gabriel

Now, going into 2009, the offense is completely different with only player from that team still on the offense although at a different position, Robert Gallery:

QB: Russell,

FB: Lawton

RB: Michael Bush, Justin Fargas

RB: Darren McFadden, Louis Rankin

LT: Mario Henderson, Khalif Barnes, Paul McQuistan

LG: Robert Gallery

C: Samson Satele

RG: Cooper Carlisle

RT: Khalif Barnes, Erik Pears, whomever replaces Green

TE: Zach Miller

WR: ?

WR Chaz Schilens

WR: Johnnie Lee Higgins

This offseason the Raiders are putting most of the finishing touches on the offense. Yes the defense still needs work, but at least the offense is for the most part complete.

Cable understands the biggest obstacle in the development of his offense is keeping Russell upright. As you’ve seen by the trade for Satele and the other lineman brought in, he’s intent on making changes.

Al has made the signing of Barnes an awesome signing. He’s a player that is basically going to play like he’s in his contract year.

Henderson has spent the ENTIRE offseason at Raiders headquarters honing his craft. He’s not going to give up his spot and signing Barnes could be the “oomph” that propels Henderson into LT starter status. Pears played LT in Denverin the ZBS, therefore he should naturally be able to play RT.

With a security blanket type of WR (Michael Crabtree or Hakeem Nicks) and rebuilt O-line, this offense can finally take off.

Imagine Russell having seven seconds to look for Miller, Higgins, Schilens, Crabtree, and McFadden?

Al is building a dominant offense before he turns the keys over. Russell’s junior year at LSU he completed 68 percent of his passes so if he has time to dissect a D, he will. He may have a cannon, but his accuracy is what got him drafted No. 1.

Everyone know this team can run the ball. The O line hasn't allowed the team to be successful at passing (in addition to dropped balls and never the same WR's). Once the O line is solid and a No. 1 WR is brought in, the offense as a whole will finally be very potent.

This season should see the team battle for .500. In a weak AFC West it's possible they win it. It’s taken time guys, but look forward to major improvements this season among the offense.

Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree Vs. Jeremy Maclin

jeremy baril — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:47:42 -0400

For the four years, the WR corps has been a model of inconsistency, especially with recently cut Ronald Curry. I believe at the #7 spot in the NFL draft the need pick DT and LT won't be available therefore WR will be upgraded. Some say Al Davis is going to pick Jeremy Maclin because he has a 40 time, while others have said that regardless of 40 he'll take the best player and they believe he thinks it's Crabtree. I believe it's Crabtree too because of his hands, his route running, and his ability to get up and get the ball. Regardless of speed you'll see the big difference between Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin in this slideshow and how one WR can really alter the way defenses play against Oakland. A trio of Crabtree, Higgins, & Schilens could be quite scary, especially with McFadden having the ability to line up at slot. I've seen several WR's come out of school with lots of hype, however the one consistent thing you'll see when watching Crabtree on any youtube highlight is the fact he catches the ball with his hands. He doesn't wait for the ball to come in to his body like Maclin as you'll see with other slides. People say Crabtree is like Fitzgerald but have since changed that because of his height. I tend to think he's more like a Reggie Wayne. Both are similar in size, speed, and hands. Maclin has the pure speed, but he doesn't have the same hands or technique to adust to the ball like Crabtree nor has the "strong hands" like Crabtree is known for having. I believe Crabtree will adjust the quickest. Maclin could do well, but I believe Crabtree is by far the safest pick. Anyway, if anyone thinks differently or likes this please let me know. This is my first slideshow.

Begin Slideshow

Oakland Raiders Draft: The Perfect Scenario to Trade Down?

jeremy baril — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:21:55 -0400

Everyone says Al Davis never trades down in the first round.

I'm one of those people as well, but I believe it could happen, based on asking for a pirate's booty for trading down for which no team has been willing to pay Davis' price.

I believe if the following players are drafted in the top six, then the perfect scenario will occur for Davis to trade down:

Det: LT Eugene Monroe
St Louis: LT Jason Smith
KC: DT BJ Raji
Sea: DE Brian Orakpo
Cleve: LB Aaron Curry
Cincy: WR Michael Crabtree
Oakland: ?

If Stafford and Sanchez drop, these players could easily slide into the No. 7 pick and the Raiders could be perfect trade partners under this scenario.

Would a team needing a QB be willing to offer a starter, their first round pick, next year's first, and this year's second?

The only high impact player remaining would be DE Everette Brown. If not Brown, then it's either reach time with players like C Mack, DT Peria Jerry, and FS Malcom Jenkins, or trade down.

What do you think Nation?

An Oakland Raiders' Realistic Approach to the Top 10

jeremy baril — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:47:15 -0500

1: Detroit-Sanchez/Stafford
2: St Louis-Jason Smith
3: Kansas City-BJ Raji
4: Seattle-Curry, Stafford, Sanchez
5: Cleveland-Stafford, Sanchez, Curry
6: Cincinnati-Eugene Monroe
7: Oakland-Crabtree
8. Jacksonville-Maualuga
9: Green Bay-Larry English
10:San Francisco-Andre Smith

We can talk all day about wanting to upgrade the D-line by drafting DT BJ Raji or upgrading the O line by drafting Jason Smith, Eugene Monroe, or Andre Smith. At least three of those players should be gone by the time we draft No. 7.

Crabtree is another possibility at No. 7, but most likely will get picked before the Raiders can select him. If Crabtree is there, then, he’ll get picked and I won’t complain about the selection.

DT Raji is a pipedream as someone will take him in the top five. Monroe and Jason Smith should have no chance to drop outside of the top five.

If we end up signing LT Khalif Barnes, then there would be no reason to draft an O lineman with our No. 1, not with Mario Henderson, Barnes, Erik Pears, and Paul McQuistan battling it out for two tackle positions.

Some say the Raiders should draft Rey Maualuga at the MLB spot, but I seriously think that he’s going to have problems in the NFL and won’t be a Pro Bowl LB that you would expect to draft with a top 10 pick.

He’s not another L.T. (Lawrence Taylor, the original LT) like I’ve heard several people compare him to. He’s more like another Chris Claiborne.

Do we take WR Jeremy Maclin who is essentially an “upgrade” for Higgins' spot?

Or do we address the best available defensive player and choose between DE’s Everette Brown and Brian Orakpo?

I’d personally love to trade down and target a CB who will be turned into a FS, Malcolm Jenkins later in the first or C Alex Mack. But know that’s got a snowball’s chance in hell to survive to happen.

What do you guys think?

Los Angeles Raiders Part Deux?

jeremy baril — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:35:35 -0500

Obviously part deux because the Raiders have moved to Los Angeles before, and there’s always going to be the threat of them moving again.

In a perfect world I’d prefer the Raiders to remain in Oakland, but as a fan I also have to think of their long-term survival.

This uncapped season looming in ’10 has plenty of owners in the NFL scared of Dan Snyder, Jerry Jones, and Bob Kraft. These owners could turn their NFL teams into versions similar to the Yankees, Red Sox, and Angels. High salary cap teams that pay to keep their own homegrown talent.

The case can be made that once the NFL’s salary cap becomes similar to the MLB, then small market teams will compare talent wise to teams like the A’s, Royals, and Brewers. They’ll field competitive teams occasionally, but won’t be able to afford to build monster teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Angels have been able to.

I’m afraid due to the small market of Oakland, the Raiders won’t be able to turn as large a profit that’ll be needed to resign key young players (that typically go to the Yankees and other teams in baseball) and keep their team together.

The Raiders can't turn into the Cowboys' pipeline whereby the team is providing its proven young talent for their draft picks and young potential stars.

Owners with deep pockets and media money from their large markets will allow them to field consistently good teams. Small market teams will field a good team for a year or two and then dismantle it and rebuild via trading talent for potential talent.

Jerry Jones alone will become the George Steinbrenner of the NFL. Before long NFL owners will broadcast their teams’ games across their own network, with the soon to be seen Cowboys Network.

Like baseball there will be the haves and the have-not’s.

On the other the hand, there is one big difference about the Raiders and the other small market teams in baseball. And that is their merchandise sales.

Even when the Raiders are doing poorly on the field their merchandise still has no problem selling, even worldwide. How many people reading this have bought plenty of Raiders' gear during these last six years? I’ve bought plenty. When the Raiders are awesome, sales are through the roof.

So I’m curious if moving away will determine their survival, or will a new or upgraded stadium in Oakland with more merchandise sales be the survival of the Oakland Raiders?

A Puppet You Say?

jeremy baril — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 10:31:11 -0500

Raiders' coaches who were considered puppets yet succeeded:

John Rauch- He was hired to be the heir apparent to Al Davis as coach and won the '67 AFL Championship.

John Madden- He was open like Cable in regards to him admitting he needed Al to teach him how to be an NFL coach. Many considered this hire to be a "puppet" who would do what Al told him do. He won one Super Bowl and had one of the best 10 year runs ever as a coach.

Tom Flores- He's another example of someone hired who would be a "puppet." All Tom did was win two Super Bowls in eight years.

I'll admit I wish at this point in time Al would hire a GM who can handle the contract-side of negotiations, however, for anyone to complain about these coaches being puppets of Al is not anything new.

Why complain now when it's always been this way?

If anything is noticed here it's that when Al goes outside of the organization to hire someone, change may be good for a short period, but eventually the coach can't work with the owner. Madden, Flores, & Art Shell (part I) showed the team can play well when the coach works well with the owner.

Anyone hired to be the Raiders' coach knows that Al is going to help pick the groceries. Unlike other owners though, Al still can pick talent. Anyone who's interviewed with him in the past couple of years will tell you he's still sharp as a tack. People call Al out for this, but he's picked talent as a GM & coach unlike any owner out there.

Cable is going to be a great hire and will be able to cohesively serve as coach under Al and the regime should last for several years or until Cable can't take it anymore. Madden lasted 10 years and admitted he was getting ulcers from working under Al. He also had Al introduce him into the Hall of Fame which shows you how much love he has for Al.

You might complain he's a hands-on owner, or that he brings in high-priced players but you can't complain about how the team has changed talent wise since the '07 draft.

It is what is, but if you can work with Al, voice your opinion, be able to fire up the players and coach them up, then it's a good working environment for the Raiders.

Tom Cable will prove this hire was the right decision and his ability to work with Al will be shown for the next several years as this team does very well.

Cable Guy = DSL OR DIALUP?

jeremy baril — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:41:24 -0500

Obviously there is a lot of negativity with regards to the possible hiring of Tom Cable, but provided he’s hired, as a fan how do we look at his hiring? Can the hiring be looked at in a positive manner or should it be negative because he’s the Cable Guy and some believe he’s head coach by default?

Given the fact Al has put together the assistant coaching staff for the most part already and Tom Cable has been said to have had input into these decisions, I believe Tom Cable is definitely the man for the job. It would be impossible to bring in a head coach who has no say or input as to what assistants are hired therefore Tom Cable has to be the head coach.

Is Tom Cable going to be seen as a yes man? Is he going to be seen like a goofy but successful HC like John Madden? What are his strengths? What about his weaknesses? There are so many questions but limited answers. We only have a short period of time to look back at how he was as a head coach.

If anything was obvious last season is that Cable doesn’t have the mindset to be a play-caller. He made too many questionable calls last season, especially the Sea Bass fake FG (easily one of the most pathetic plays I’ve ever seen).

However, the way the team regrouped and won their last two games was a big testament to Cable’s stability and his ability to relate with his players. He forced his players to make plays or sit. Ronald Curry was immediately made an example of and rightfully so. Curry had way too many drops and was starting because Kiffin didn’t want to start Chaz Schilens.

Hiring Cable as HC will also give some similarity to Russell. He’s needs some form of this right now and not a complete offensive makeover. Obviously basically revamping the whole entire offensive staff doesn’t breed similarity, however having an offensive line that maintains the same scheme will do wonders for his confidence. He doesn’t have to re-learn how his offensive line will block for him or how they move, etc.

For the Raiders to be successful next season, everything depends on solid play in the trenches. If the O line doesn’t improve this team doesn’t improve. No questions asked. The D line needs to play better to, but unless the O is putting points on the board and not having the worst 3rd down percentage in the league the D won’t get better because they will again behind the 8 ball every game.

Will the Cable Guy be on his way out like dial-up, or will he be the head coach for the next several years and be like DSL? Will Tom Cable be able to motivate the team to get it where it needs to be, or will he be another Joe Bugel? We’ll see in 8 months.

Oakland Draft Scenario No. 1

jeremy baril — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:13:48 -0500

Given the fact I'm an Oakland Raiders fan, I'm writing an article about various scenarios in which we'll be forced to pick a player not necessarily by choice of need but by who is the better of those remaining.

Although I've written articles stating my love for either WR's Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin, we have to take a look at different scenarios in which we won't get either player or Al decides to draft in his eyes the best available player.

In today's and coincidentally the first article in the series, I'll take the look at what happens if Michael Crabtree and Rey Maualuga are both gone and we have to choose between WR Jeremy Maclin and CB Malcolm Jenkins.

Obviously these two players should provide enough arguments as to which to pick.

If the chose came down to these two players and we are going to lose Nnamdi Asomugha then picking up Jenkins would be a no-brainer.

However, would picking up a top CB like this beneficial to the defense? Does more money need to be spent on a CB?

Maclin could be a special teams ace and really provide even better field position opportunities with Justin Miller & Maclin returning kickoffs. I could see kickers just taking the penalty and having us start at the 40 every time.

Maclin also had over 100 catches this year, so he isn't just some special teams ace like Devin Hester. This guy has wheels, but he also has pretty good hands. Think Steve Smith when you think of Jeremy Maclin.

I think I'd prefer Maclin, but it would be hard to deny the defense the opportunity to have another future All Pro. I do remember in the '80s when we had a good defense and two rock-solid CB's in Haynes and Hayes. Those two CB's allowed the defense to blitz at will.

In this choice it's difficult because you can help an area of need, but obviously it doesn't fill a greater need like a DT or offensive lineman.

But do you find the best two players available and then use both to determine need?

I think we need help on offense and scoring points, but if the choice is between Maclin or Jenkins I'd have to take offense because the offense obviously needs a boost too.

In future articles I'll detail other scenarios for which we could draft players like Michael Crabtree, Jeremy Maclin, Everette Brown, Brian Orakpo, and others.

Please leave comments to let me know how I can improve the story or tell me things you don't like about it.

Darren McFadden: Another Al Saunders Star RB?

jeremy baril — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:10:23 -0500

I'm kind of wishy washy on hiring Tom Cable. I do believe he deserves some role in the offense next season; I just don't believe he has the experience or know how to handle McFadden & Bush.

I do believe it would be very good if he was hired as head coach, and then hiring Winston Moss as DC, and Al Saunders as OC. Moss is obviously an upgrade over Ryan, and Washington should definitely help the secondary out. Remember Perry left Pittsburgh to coach our secondary and now he's leaving for the same position on another staff? Considering that Pittsburgh's secondary has been better since he's left implies he's not fit for the position.

At this point I don't believe any coach could really be hired that would drastically change anything, but at least hiring an offensive coordinator like Al Saunders would provide solid growth for Russell, and the development of a solid offense with McFadden catching a lot of passes that results in first downs (dump passes or short routes).

For those who are willing to discount Al Saunders as another stooge, don't forget when he was an assistant at St Louis and the offensive coordinator in K.C. he worked with both Priest Holmes & Marshall Faulk. Both of these backs are similar to how McFadden plays the game; they all have good hands.

Marshall Faulk, 5'10" 210 lbs
Best season 2000: 1,300 yards rushing, 5.5 ypc, 18 TD's; 81 rec, 830 yards receiving, 8 TD's

Priest Holmes, 5'9' 213lbs
Best season 2003: 1,420 yards rushing, 4.4 ypc, 27 TD's; 74 rec, 690 yards receiving, 0 TD's

Darren McFadden, 6'2' 210 lbs
Best season? 2009 or 2010?

With some added players on the O-line this team could really take off. I'm not saying next season, as it'll take a while to get acclimated; however after a full season in Saunders system, this team could be awesome.

McFadden should be putting up some gaudy numbers next season and score in multiple ways.

Fear not Raider Fans, Al will at least bring the talent level on offense to be awesome before he hands the team over to his son Mark.

Raiders Free Agent Possibilities

jeremy baril — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 11:03:36 -0500

If Tom Cable returns as head coach, the following players could be signed at reasonable prices and would fit in well in the zone blocking scheme (I'm not sure about Stacy Andrews though). All are currently unrestricted free agents and haven't been tagged yet or doubt they will be.

Centers: Matt Birk, Jeff Saturday, & Mike Goff

Tackles: Mark Tauscher & George Foster

Guards: Chris Gray, John Welbourn, Stacy Andrews

Cable isn't going to bring in big money lineman; he's going to bring in players that fit his system. If we signed Tauscher, Foster, Birk, and drafted a lineman we'd be pretty solid.

Drafting an offensive lineman with the first pick isn't worth it at this point. Most likely when we pick at No. 7, the best strategy will be to pick the best available player and that could be Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin.