Bleacher Report - Al Davis

Oakland Raiders: A Thousand Theories and Yet No Real Solutions

Bret Armstrong — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:40:32 -0500

While the Oakland Raiders had a fairly quiet offseason this year by their standards, the twists and turns of the regular season have kept fans on their toes wondering what is in store for a once great franchise in the very near future.

There are a thousand questions that Raider nation wants the answers to, like, is this the year Al Davis steps down? Will Oakland draft another quarterback in the 2010 draft? Is Kirk Morrison the answer at middle linebacker? Does Richard Seymour still want to help this team turn around? Will Al make another head coaching change?

While I cannot provide the answers to these questions, I can offer honest and insightful opinions to these and any other questions you might have.

So let's start from the top...no pun intended.

Is this the year Al Davis steps down?

To be painfully honest towards the folks associated with www.messagetoal.com, the answer is no. You don't have to even be a fan to realize that the only time Al will ever give in to what anyone else wants is when he drops the ball on life.

Al will not reliquish a role that he so meticulously stole, fair and square. He still thinks he knows the ins and outs of the game and nobody will convince him otherwise.

In fact, many people who are or have been associated with him believe he is still mentally sane. Lane Kiffin sure isn't doing anything to help us think otherwise either.

To top all that off, the fact of the matter is that Al has assembled a team with a ton of talent and no direction. I don't think that a talent scout like a new GM is the ideal answer, even though I do agree that Al is the common denominator in the past six or seven seasons.

What we need is an ideal system for the players that exist, not new or different players.

Will the Oakland Raiders draft another quarterback in the 2010 draft?

I won't say that they won't for the simple fact that Al Davis will do it just to prove that I am wrong. The real meat of this question is not will they draft a quarterback, but will they draft a quarterback in the first or second round of the draft?

Being truly honest, I can't see how it helps. All it would do is give us another undeveloped talent to coach up. I could see them trying to find a quarterback in the late rounds of the draft. Trying to strike gold like Tom Brady.

Then again, at this point they could go to their local supermarket and try to find the next Kurt Warner too, but it doesn't mean that he is there bagging groceries, or that if he was anybody would know it.

Oakland does not have the financial stability right now to make their top pick in 2010 another quarterback. My advice would be to go after a hard nosed middle linebacker. Someone who could provide that run defense support they have been looking for. Or maybe add another lineman that was expected in the 2009 draft.

It takes a good three years for a good quarterback to be worth anything to a team. The 2006 class of quarterbacks are just now starting to take the reigns of teams, with the exception of Jay Culter, who has not really won anything to boot.

The 2005 draft was Aaron Rodgers and Alex Smith.

2004's draft provided us with Phillip Rivers and Eli Manning, who are both starting to get into that elite talk.

And in spite of the early sucess of Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco, their sophomore seasons have been much less impressive so far.

Oakland has more pressing needs than another quarterback, like a right tackle, a good center, a true middle linebacker, and a nickel cornerback.

Plus, there is a feasible group of quarterbacks there. The best thing the Raiders could do right now is make it an open competition next year. Charlie Frye and Bruce Gradkowski are both hungry to prove themselves worthy of a second chance. Both of those guys believe they still have what it takes.

JaMarcus Russell is bursting with talent, but has very little motivation. He is probably just hungry in general. Perhaps an open competition would light a fire under his butt that is getting bigger every moment he wastes sitting on it.

Is Kirk Morrison the answer at middle linebacker?

I really think he has stepped up his game this year with a better defensive line in front of him. I've been a witness to him making more tackles at the point of attack than any other year I remember.

In spite of his improvement in that respect, I still have to say he is not the answer. I appreciate the leadership he shows, but I don't see that Ray Lewis or Mike Singletary mentality in the kid.

I think Oakland needs a true middle linebacker. A hard nosed guy who plays light out, flies to the ball and attacks it. Makes halfbacks scared to run towards him and makes quarterbacks fear his blitz.

While I don't think Kirk has what it takes to play the middle, I think that if he could concede to playing outside linebacker, he might still lead the team in tackles. He is a guy who plays with a lot of heart, but I just fail to see the mean streak in him that is needed to hold the fort in the middle in the 4-3 defense.

Whether by free agency or trade, Oakland needs to bring in a guy who changes the mentality of their defense.

Does Richard Seymour still want to help turn the team around?

Call me an optimist, but I think that he truly does want to help turn the team around. The year that the Patriots drafted Seymour they were a 5-11 team. They lost to Cleveland and Detroit that year by a combined score of 53-20.

I think Richard believes he helped turn that franchise around. I think he feels like the same opportunity exists in Oakland, aside from two things:

A. Oakland has more talent than New England did at that time.

B. Richard thinks that he is in his prime right now and not a rookie.

To add to that, he knows that if he doesn't sign a contract with Oakland in the offseason, he will end up getting the franchise tag repeatedly until he concedes to signing.

Of course he has the desire to win and he knows that the team is better with him in the line-up. There is a good core group on defense in Oakland. Those blown plays on defense are very similar to the blown plays on offense when you break down the film.

A foot off here, an arms length there, a missed assignment away from being a big play for the defense instead of the contrary.

The bottom line is, Richard Seymour will be an Oakland Raider next year regardless of what he really wants.

Will Al Davis make another coaching change?

I fear that he will. I know a lot of people are hoping that he does because they think that Tom Cable is worthless. Unlike you, I see what is happening.

Al Davis fired Lane Kiffin for several reasons. One of the reasons was not developing the young talent on the roster. From the time Tom Cable took over coaching duties, we've seen some young talents emerge in this group.

Tyvon Branch, Mario Henderson, Chaz Schilens, Michael Huff, Trevor Scott, and Michael Bush to name a few.

More recently, Matt Shaughnessy, Gary Russell, and Louis Murphy are starting to look like they have a good upside.

The coaching staff is one of the most highly regarded that Oakland has had in my recent memory. Ted Tollner, Paul Hackett, Dwaine Board, and John Marshall all have very nice track records.

Moreover, the teams' play recently has shown me that they are on the right track in spite of the losses. I see them all making strides, putting in the effort, and making some big plays. Continuing to play for each other despite the record...growing.

If they continue on the path they are on, the team will gel. Kirk Morrison said after the loss to the Chiefs that he thought the team was starting to gel. The next week they came out and beat the Bengals, meanwhile the Chiefs beat the Steelers.

Last week, the first half of the game was a wash. The throws were slightly off target, but the running game looked fantastic. Some spectators say they abandoned the run too abruptly. In the second half of the game, the passing game got going a bit.

The second half was technically won by Oakland; had they kicked that field goal, they outscored Dallas 10-7. The first quarter ended 3-0 Dallas. So really, they died in the second quarter by allowing big plays on defense and not making any big plays on offense.

My hope is that the team continues to show this type of progress and Al Davis sees it. Ultimately, that is what it boils down to. The big guy upstairs has to see it, it doesn't matter what you or I think.

One thing I know is that Tom Cable has this team. The team believes in what Cable is telling them, and Al Davis stands to lose a lot more by abandoning Tom's staff than he would gain.

Tom's relationship with Al Davis is rumored around the Oakland facilities to be the best coach/owner relationship since Jon Gruden.

So there you have it, take it or leave it, but it's an honest, and in my opinion, very logical set of answers to some unresolved issues in Raiders' camp. Feel free to post your questions in the comments section and I'll feel free to answer them.

See My Message to Al: http://fanhuddle.com/oaklandraiders/2009/12/01/oakland-raiders-my-message-to-al-davis/

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Are Thomas Howard's Days in Oakland Numbered?

Ramone Brown — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:58:57 -0500

Thomas Howard is a clear fan favorite for the Oakland Raiders, and many consider him the Raiders second-best defender behind Nnamdi Asomugha.

But his future with the team has come into question. Though Howard has been stout in coverage, some would suggest he is riding the hype of his 2007 season when he had six interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns of 44 and 66 yards. But since then he has been rather quiet with one interception in the last 29 games.

Not only that but Howard has received criticism for his run support and inability to shed blockers.

Funny, fellow Raider linebacker Kirk Morrison has received the same criticism.

To make matters worse, the former "star" weak-side linebacker has been replaced by second-year player Trevor Scott. Scott had an impressive game with five tackles including two sacks and three tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

In the same game, Howard saw little playing time backing up starting strong-side linebacker Sam Williams.

Tom Cable has said that Trevor Scott will start again against Pittsburgh.

Scott's skill-set is nearly opposite of Howard. With experience playing defensive end, he is stronger against the run and better able to shed blocks. His only downfall is his lack of experience in pass coverage.

All this can only mean one of two things for Howard. Either he is being replaced, or he has a position move in his future.

Howard is currently in a contract year, and if the Raiders don't resign him, he will become a free agent. Being demoted as a starter may be a tell-tale sign that the Raiders have already made a decision on Howard. It is a clear possibility that he may not be wearing silver and black next year.

Raiders middle linebacker Morrison is also on a contract year, and the Raiders may have to make a decision between resigning one of the two.

If you had to make a decision between either signing Kirk Morrison or Thomas Howard, who would you pick?

The second possibility is a position change, likely to the strong side. Williams has received a lot of criticism from fans, mainly for being one of Al Davis's scholarship players for his impressive measurables and combination of speed and size.

But next year, competition for the starting strong-side linebacker position will be stiff with both Ricky Brown and Jon Alston returning from injury. With that, Howard's chances of returning to the silver and black are even more diminished.

Don't be surprised if he is gone next year. His days in Oakland may be numbered.

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Lessons Learned: JaMarcus Russell, The Failed Experiment

Raider Card Addict — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:12:14 -0500

As Oakland's season now is simply running out the clock, one has to look back at all that has gone wrong.

Injuries piled up, play-calling was shoddy, players underperformed. Sure, some players did perform well, on occasion.

One of these players, JaMarcus Russell, wasn't among the better performers.

Russell, due to the condition of the team was facing long odds. A first round pick, was thrown a ton of money after holding out through training camp. Then he didn't see any activity until late in the season.

Come the next year, the head coach was replaced early, other coaches were swapped out and the cycle kept degrading from there.

Questions had come up time and again, about his weight, his work ethic and his dedication to the team. It looked like the Raiders had picked up the traits of rebel but forgot if the football player was attached.

As it is, the team has a history of problems with quarterbacks that are drafted. Todd Marinovich, who was supposed to bring some stability to the Raiders lasted all of two years. Marc Wilson couldn't beat out Jim Plunkett, who was about 10 years his senior.

Ken Stabler was our lone good selection, and helped the Raiders during the 70's to multiple championship games plus our first title.

Right now, JaMarcus might be lucky to find employment in organized football.

The two problems that Russell now presents to the Raiders, is what to do with an overpaid, under-performing player. And what do we do for a replacement?

First, Russell is either going to kick around on the roster for another season, soaking up money. His number one fan, is Al Davis. Odds are good, Al will find another coach in the off-season to try and babysit his project for another year. The problem is, changing coaches will not help a player who needs to mature and grow up on the bench.

The second problem, fits in with the first problem. Who is going to QB the Raiders? The Raiders do have the advantage of a good history with replacements. Guys like Daryle Lamonica, Jim Plunkett, Jeff Hostetler and Rich Gannon all came to us from other clubs.

Right now we have Bruce Gradkowski who is two games into his starting stint with the club. Honestly, at least Bruce is getting yards. Going into the draft and trying to land Tebow or another high end pick isn't the answer.

As it is, questions on Tebow abound, size-wise, or ability to transfer his skills to pro football, make that idea dangerous. Right now, a safe course of action would be building up the defense, working on the offensive line, and leave the QB duties to Gradkowski.

Maybe if it is possible, trading Russell off, or last resort....drop him like a bad habit.

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Why Charlie Frye Won't See the Field In Oakland

Ramone Brown — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:53:42 -0500

There is clearly a production problem with the QB position in Oakland. First JaMarcus Russell completely bombed the first half of the season with a 51.6 completion rate and nine interceptions this season.

He was then replaced by Bruce Gradkowski who gave us very similar results mis-firing just as badly with a 52.2 completion rate, three INTs, and three fumbles this season. Aside from the 0.6 percent completion rate improvement, Gradkowski's performance is nearly identical to Russell's. Gradkowski over-threw receives, mis-read defense, and was unable to recognize open receivers.

With results like that many are calling for the Raiders third QB Charlie Frye. And it isn't completely un- warranted as Frye has the highest career completion rate of the three Raider QBs: Gradkowski 52.8, Russell 51.6, and Frye 62.0. With Frye's completion percentage exceeding the other two QBs by 10 percent it is a wonder why he hasn't seen the field. Frye not only has the higher completion rate, but has more career yards than Gradkowski, and the most NFL experience.

The reason Frye hasn't seen the field is because favorites are being played with the QBs in Oakland.

First off, Bruce Gradkowski. He was coached by Raiders QB coach Hackett while in Tampa, and Hackett was the one who pushed for the Raiders to bring in both Gradkowski and Jeff Garcia, Hacketts two former pupils. Because of there past in Tampa Bay it is clear that Hackett favors Gradkowski.

Then there is JaMarcus Russell. To fully understand this you have to go back to accusations made that Al Davis is racist. A Tim Brown quote was mis-understood where he basically said Al Davis doesn't like black players from Notre Dame because they rely on their education or smarts rather than pure physical ability.

No way am I saying that Davis is racist. What I am saying is he prefers black athletes who rely on their physical abilities over there brains.

Clearly JaMarcus Russell fits well into what Al Davis wants in his black athletes. Russell is one of, if not the, strongest armed QBs the NFL has seen. Also when Russell was drafted he was very athletic for his size, and fit perfectly in the Al Davis height-weight-speed mold.

Not only that, but Russell isn't seen as the most mentally gifted QB in the league as many have questioned his intelligence.

A QB who made it through college purely on physical ability, and isn't a big thinker. If the Tim Brown quote is true what else would Al Davis want in a QB.

Then there is Charlie Frye. Barring injury he likely won't see any action this year simply because the other two QBs are favored. The only thing he has going for him is being Al Davis's second favorite QB as Davis granted Frye an audience prior to signing him.

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Why Al Davis Should Hire Joe Lombardi As Offensive Coordinator

David Xaviel is the Real Mr. X — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:59:42 -0500

Recently, I wrote an article in support of Raiders coach Tom Cable, after I had written an article earlier this season that expressed my discontent with the Raiders coach.

I believe that the Raiders are on the right track, despite the losses, because I do believe that the current players now care when they lose.

The difference is that I think the Raiders have gone from treading water to rebuilding mode, thus to change course with another coach would be another unneeded setback.

Unfortunately, Raider Nation was stuck with the "pathological liar" known as Lane Kiffin from USC, who attempted to orchestrate a coup by colluding with Michael Lombardi to trade Randy Moss; acquiring his friend and mega-flop Mike Williams from USC; refusing to work with JaMarcus Russell; and trying to fire defensive-coordinator Rob Ryan and hire his dad Monte Kiffin.

That is no theory.

Obviously, Raider Nation has been frustrated with circling the waters. We had high hopes for 2009, but we should not be dismayed about the future. We are on the right track, and must believe that this team will and can continue to improve.

I believe that the biggest need for Oakland is a full-time offensive coordinator. The biggest contrarian voice has been, however: No one wants to coach for Al Davis. I see that as an admission of low confidence.

If any coach said, "I won't coach for Davis," I would take that as admission that the coach does not believe in what he can do for a team.

He's saying that he can't win with an owner that orchestrated three Super Bowl winners and 40 years with the highest winning percentage in the NFL.

Thus, saying, "I can't win with Davis," is just admission that you really aren't that good.

If you want an answer for the Oakland struggles: Look to Michael Lombardi's bad draft picks and the fact that the Raiders have greatly improved on draft day ever since they canned the Bruce Allen puppet for the fifth time in Lombardi's career; the attempted coup by Lane Kiffin; or the muckraking by ESPN and East Coast media ("biggest post Super Bowl collapse in NFL history", which can be disproven qualitatively and quantitatively).

Who better to be offensive coordinator than Saints' quarterback coach Joe Lombardi?

That's right. The grandson of Vince Lombardi. He has been part of the Saints' offensive coaching staff since 2007, where the Saints run an offense similar to that of the Oakland offenses of yore.

When I look at the Raiders' roster, I see talent, but not vision for how to use that talent. The vision I can see for Raider players is similar to that of the Saints offense.

The Raiders offensive-line has been improving, and could stand mostly depth and an upgrade at right-tackle. Between Chaz Schilens, Louis Murphy, and Darrius Heyward-Bey, I think the Raiders have a trio that could be comparable to Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, and Robert Meachem.

Meanwhile, Raiders' TE Zach Miller is practically a clone of Saints' TE Jeremy Shockey, if not better.

Though Darren McFadden was not the super-hyped player that Reggie Bush was, I think that they are similar in what type of plays that they should make: Catching the ball on short routes, and running the ball, "east-west".

I could see Michael Bush in a role similar to Pierre Thomas, and Justin Fargas in a role similar to Mike Bell, with Gary Russell and Luke Lawton to boot.

Lombardi would also have Paul Hackett and Ted Tollner to provide insights, and groom him as an offensive-coordinator.

The biggest question mark has been the quarterback. JaMarcus Russell has all the skills, but seems to lack desire and focus. Bruce Gradkowski meanwhile has given the Raiders a competitor for Russell.

I'm not sure sure as to which quarterback is better suited for the offense, but I do believe that the Raiders have two talented prospects to work with, and that Joe Lombardi would be the perfect match at offensive coordinator to give either QB the chances to make plays.

http://www.neworleanssaints.com/Team/Coaches/People/Joe%20Lombardi.aspx

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Why I Support Oakland Raiders Coach Tom Cable

David Xaviel is the Real Mr. X — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:22:58 -0500

So far this NFL season, Raiders fans have seen much of the same old same old.

But what has been different, it seems, is that the players are starting to care when they lose, rather than brushing it off carelessly because they get paid either way.

Several weeks ago, I wrote an article about my frustration with the three weeks of blowouts, claiming that either the Raiders hire Bill Cowher or Raider fans boycott.

I no longer think that is necessary.

The performances have still been erratic, but that is somewhat excusable as many of their players have less than three seasons' worth of experience.

In previous seasons, the Raiders roster seemed scotch-taped together, while this team in 2009 is filled with draft-picks and free-agency revelations.

Many have called for the firing or suspension of Coach Tom Cable amidst tabloid reports of a mistake he made 20 years ago; but I think Cable has this team on the right track, even if we aren't seeing the Raiders win. There seems to be a new energy in Oakland that would defuse if Al Davis tried to find another coach.

Cable admits that he slapped his then wife 20 years ago, which I don't condone and in fact condemn, but I do believe that it was an isolated act which he regrets. And paid the price for when she divorced him.

Nevertheless, the Pavlovian shills at ESPN saw another story to sell and tried to get Cable suspeneded with incendiary accusations by questionable people.

Another solid draft day, which the Raiders have improved at since firing personnel director Michael Lombardi, and the Raiders could be a wild card contender at worst. As for this season, the Raiders need to focus on making plays, understanding situations, and eliminating mistakes.

We need to see something for them to build on.

I think the best move to be made for the offense is to find a full-time offensive coordinator rather than a different coach. Moreover, the Raiders should consider hiring a General Manager to "assist" Davis in creating a modern vision for this team with many talented players.

My wish would be for Al Davis to hire Mike Holmgren as the General Manager. One connection between the current Raiders and Holmgren is Raiders defensive-coordinator John Marshall.

Holmgren, from what I've heard, is living in the South Bay (Santa Cruz) and is interested in a front office position. His presence would bring immediate respect back to the Raiders and give the team a mind to work with either quarterback, Bruce Gradkowski or JaMarcus Russell.

If Davis is willing to make an offer that Holmgren can't refuse (which I suggested is probably wishful thinking), then the Raiders would have the potential to turnaround before Davis kicks the bucket.

Another year of work and the receivers and quarterback should be ready to make a functional offense.

The Raiders need a better vision of how to use their running backs. I get the sense that they just call a runner and see what works. We have seen Justin Fargas gain yards but struggle in the red zone, where Michael Bush and Darren McFadden can succeed.

McFadden is an "upright runner" who doesn't run well against the line of scrimmage, but I would like to see what he can do in space (meaning, catching the ball with some room to run) or quick tosses from the quarterback in a modified running game the way Charlie Garner used to do for the Raiders.

Michael Bush meanwhile has shown that he is a more physical runner, like Tyrone Wheatley was for the Raiders. Thus, I do think that the Raiders need to rotate Fargas and Bush running inside and use McFadden as a short-yardage receiver, like Reggie Bush in New Orleans.

As for the defense, I think the Raiders have the right personnel for the 3-4 and should target a nose tackle in the off-season to switch from the 4-3. The front seven has been better with Richard Seymour, but they still lack a pure run-stuffer and outside linebacker; which could be resolved with the 3-4 by making Trevor Scott an outside rusher in the 3-4, and acquiring a nose-tackle.

Bottom line, however, is that we Raider Nation must resist the temptation to change horses in mid-stream. The Raiders still have work to do, but I have the sense that the team is truly in rebuilding mode rather than treading water.

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Do the Oakland Raiders Have the Next Great Safety Tandem?

Ramone Brown — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:28:57 -0500

In the NFL great safeties are a luxury and teams with two great safeties are few and far between. Great safetie tandems are a QB's worst nightmare...Well, maybe second worst behind the second coming of Lawrence Taylor.

Great safety play usually dictates dominant defensive play. Last year the three teams with the most productive safeties were Tennessee (11 INTs and 153 tackles), Baltimore (10 INTs 110 tackles) and Pittsburgh (8 INTs 160 tackles). All three boasted top defenses in 2008 and combined for a 36-12 record.

With names like Troy Palamalu, Ed Reed, and Michael Griffin the play of the safeties undoubtedly had something to do with these teams' success.

Last year Raiders strong-safety Gibril Wilson led all safeties with 129 tackles and he now leads the Miami Dolphins in tackles. Many fans think that letting him go was a mistake. But don't worry his replacement is doing just fine.

Currently the Raiders second year strong-safety Tyvon Branch is on pace to match Gibril Wilson's 2008 total tackles. After only ten games Branch has 81 tackles under his belt this season, as well as two forced fumbles and a sack.

If the Raiders were to eventually develop a dominant safety tandem, Branch would be the center- piece. He had ridiculous combine numbers including the second fastest 40 time in the 2008 combine behind Tennessee's Chris Johnson. Branch also has experience returning kicks as well as playing both safety positions and corner.

So who will be Tyvon Branch's side-kick and partner in crime in the Raiders safety tandem? Right now it's between hard-hitting rookie Michael Mitchell, fourth year player Michael Huff, while current starting FS Hiram Eugene would be the under-dog.

Right now Michael Huff who seems to be resurecting his career and shedding the title of "bust" is leading the pack. So far in ten games backing up Hiram Eugene he has 39 tackles and three INTs and nine passes defended. Though he is very solid in pass coverage his only downfall is his lack of tackling ability, hence why Eugene starts over him. If he can develop his tackling he has the potential to be great.

Next is controversial second round draft pick Michael Mitchell. So far this year he has been hampered by injuries and used sparingly making most of his tackles on special teams.

So far this year he has only been used in sure running situations and in the Raiders wolverine package, which is a nickel package that uses a third safety near the line of scrimmage. The rookie still has a few questions surrounding him before we can proclaim him as the next Jack Tatum. Like is he durable enough for the NFL and can he keep up in coverage.

Then there's the Raiders starting free-safety Hiram Eugene. Though he doesn't have Huffs flashy speed and skills or Mitchell's hard-hitting when he is on the field he seems to get the job done. Though he is the most experienced of the bunch, in my opinion he has the least potential based on lack of pure physical ability. Also at 29, he is the oldest safety on the Raiders roster.

Which of these players, if any, has the potential to be part of the next great safety tandem on the Raiders. I would like to know what you think Raider Nation.

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