Oakland Raiders: Is the Media Drinking Kool-Aid Again?

A few of the more well-known sites on the Internet have either gotten into the good Kool-Aid, or they seem to think that anyone leaving Oakland is going to turn out a Randy Moss-like performance.

Case in point: Rob Ryan, the main scapegoat in a failed season, producing some of the biggest head-scratching moments in the year.

Some weeks things would go well, things like the disaster in New Orleans, the game against the Ravens, or the "prevent" defenses that lost us games against Buffalo, San Diego, and a horrible idea against Denver the first time.

All in all, his defense might be looking at four losses directly attributed to his actions. Don't get me wrong, but he did have a few good moments, like the wins in Denver, Tampa, and the first win against Houston. We looked good. Likewise, with some offense, we might have derailed the Panthers after picking off Jake Delhomme several times.

But now in the news, the Cleveland Browns seem to think that Ryan is going to step in, and all is going to be rosy. This was the headline, off of ESPN's site, linked from another newspaper: Browns: Tough NFL defense is practically the birthright of new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan

Now, where was that defense that they're talking about? Ryan had been our defensive coordinator since the first year of Norv Turner. Some might say it's because we didn't have any offense. Oakland during Norv Turner did have Kerry Collins, who passed for almost 3500 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Ryan's defense was ranked 31st in points allowed and 30th in yardage given up.

The next year, Ryan's defenses were 25th and 27th. It was a small improvement, but Oakland went from 5-11 to 4-12...one fewer win.

So, will someone ask the Browns why they think getting Ryan is going to somehow improve their situation?

His one bright spot came in 2006. We were third in the NFL in giving up yards, but still 18th in points against.

Good luck, Cleveland. We know your offense didn't work last year.