Raiders 2009 Season Discussion

[bernbabybern820]

I've heard rumors of Captain Kirk moving back outside where some consider that to be his natural position. Remember, that's where he played as a rookie when he totalled over 100 tackles. Ricky Brown played the middle with the second team defense in OTA's, and Frantz Joseph has generated a lot of buzz since he signed as a UDFA. What do you guys think will happen? What would you like to see happen?

I think Kirk is going to stay at MLB. I heard that Jon Alston has really improved and bulked up without losing his speed.

For some reason i think that they put Ricky Brown at MLB just in case Kirk can't get re-signed next year since both he and Howard are going to be free agents.

[Komp]

In my opinion they should make Howard a higher priority than Morrison when it comes to signing. I love Morrison, but Howard is younger and a little more talented. Hopefully we'll be able to get them both back next year.....

[Stash]

DHB signed, 5 years. Not sure on the details though.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d810d9ec2&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

And on the Raider's site it shows Walker was put on the PUP list.

[619]

The injury to Barnes has me very wary of what could go down week one versus SD. That RT position is a major concern and it doesn't help when we start off against one of the more blitz-happy squads in the league. Signing Seth Wand doesn't help things. We better give them a heavy dose of our run game because that is undoubtedly the best shot we have to accomplishing anything offensively for the first little while.

The silver lining in it all is it gives Henderson the opportunity to get in close to a full camp with the majority of first-team reps. Let’s hope he uses this luxury and turns it into a positive one for us. He’s the best LT we’ve had in years and I wanted him to lock down this job all along.

[RaiderNation]

Dont count out Eric Pears at RT. Or maybe Paul McQ

[bigbluedefense]

fantasy question guys.

Is DMac the feature back this year? Are the Raiders gonna run the rock like hell? How is he looking?

Will he get goalline touches?

[locseti]

I think Ricky Brown sucks, and even though i agree with the notion that kirk should be moved back outside, im not in favor of brown starting in his stead. plus, kirk will be pissed, hes already starting to talk about how he's played MLB since he was 11 and how he'll have to re-learn everything, although he did play there when he was a rookie.

[RaiderNation]

fantasy question guys.

Is DMac the feature back this year? Are the Raiders gonna run the rock like hell? How is he looking?

Will he get goalline touches?

It looks like he will by the main RB this year. In a recent interview Tom Cable said he watched alot of film last year and noticed every time McFadden was on the field the offense was good. So I expect McFadden to be somewhat like Reggie Bush, lineing up as RB,WR and QB.

[locseti]

im still not taking him very high in fantasy, 5th round at the earliest.

[bigbluedefense]

why that late?

Is he not getting goalline touches?

[Stash]

why that late?

Is he not getting goalline touches?
I think we're all still a bit unsure of how many touches McFadden will get in a crowded backfield. Fargas and Bush have shown they can be productive backs in this league, picking DMC high is risky because of that.

[Xonraider]

why that late?

Is he not getting goalline touches?

I'd stay away from McFadden. He has had two turf toes and will be running the rock with Bush and Fargas.

on a different note: No doubt in my mind Kirk comes back... he is a Raider for life!!!

[locseti]

bring in derrick brooks AL! Ricky Brown is not a starter in this league!

[bernbabybern820]

Looks like DHB will be playing a half which will be good for him. Jamarcus has been really struggling finding receivers the last two days. He has to be a lot more consistent or we're going to have the run the ball 40 times a game.

[Stash]

Are you ready for some football?!?! I can't wait to watch the game tonight. I know it's just preseason and we are probably gonna end up stinking this year anyway, but it has been a boring offseason.

[slightlyaraiderfan]

not bad. chaz looked great out there, so did dmac. liked what i saw with murphy, i shouldn't have been surprised by his speed.

[Flyboy]

Darren McFadden is dreamy.

[bigbluedefense]

....you guys sure I should pass on DMac? He looked damn good out there yesterday.

Now he got me thinking again...

[bernbabybern820]

....you guys sure I should pass on DMac? He looked damn good out there yesterday.

Now he got me thinking again...

IDK hard to tell. He will certainly get his yards through the air and on the ground but idk if Bush will take his touchdowns. We still have no idea how the coaches are going to use Fargas, McFadden, and Bush.

I would say to go for it. They aren't going to pay him top 5 money and not play him a lot.

[MicktheGreat]

Question for the Raiders' homers...

What do you guys see Chaz Schilens doing this year??? I'm a Titans' homer, so I don't get to watch the Raiders play much at all; but it sounds like this guy has the ability to succeed in the NFL. I know that the Raiders will run, run, and run some more, but Jamarcus has to throw to someone, right?

[slightlyaraiderfan]

Question for the Raiders' homers...

What do you guys see Chaz Schilens doing this year??? I'm a Titans' homer, so I don't get to watch the Raiders play much at all; but it sounds like this guy has the ability to succeed in the NFL. I know that the Raiders will run, run, and run some more, but Jamarcus has to throw to someone, right?
he'll be the main target, it appeared that Jamarcus was looking for him specifically.

also, raiders add cb ricky manning and drop foshi.

[RaiderNation]

I see Chaz turning into a impact WR this year. With his size and speed, it will be hard for any CB to guard him, plus safteys will not be able to help over the top on him since DHB is a homerun threat

[LonghornsLegend]

I had a good feeling about Chaz all off-season, and it was pretty obvious versus us he was, and should be the go to WR. Huge frame, great hands, much faster then you think, he's going to be a reliable target that Russell was keying on most of the game.


DHB while he may not have many catches but he really can stretch a defense out, it was fun to watch him go up against Scandrick, Scandrick was a 4.32 guy in last years draft so they are both burners. I didn't get to see many chances of him getting open looks to catch the ball, but the fact that whoever covers him is almost going to need Safety help over top helps everyone else on the offense.


He seems like a perfect compliment to Chaz too, you guys offense has some pieces to work around...DMAC obviously looks ready to take over a bigger workload, be interesting to see him(and Felix for that matter) stay healthy this year.


I was hoping Felix got a few more carries vs you guys, but I really didn't want him to re-aggravate anything in a meaningless game.

[RaiderNation]

Exactly, DHB is perfect for us since he will open everything up on the field because he will have 2 people having to cover him most of the time. DMC will get 1,200 yards rushing and a good amount catching and Bush/Fargas will combind for 700 yards

[Stash]

Shilens did look good, he and Russell looked like they had some good chemistry. DHB didn't look like he was on the same page however. Many times it looked like Russell was forcing it to him even when nothing was there. Hopefully it will come with time.

[bernbabybern820]

It also looks like Javon will be off the PUP list next Monday and play against the Saints in the 3rd pre-season game. Interested to see what he has left.

[RaiderNation]

From what I have heard, Javon feels great and thinks he can have a breakout season. Having him and Chaz as reliable Wr's and DHB being a deep threat, we should be good

[TACKLE]

From what I have heard, Javon feels great and thinks he can have a breakout season. Having him and Chaz as reliable Wr's and DHB being a deep threat, we should be good

Good points. Chaz seems like with his size and hands, he can be a solid, reliable possession WR who can help move the chains on 3rd down. DHB is the deep threat and if Javon Walker can stay healthy, he can still be effective. Add in Zach Miller and what was looking like the worst WR core in the NFL is now looking pretty good.

[thenewfeature06]

Does anybody know how Greg Ellis is looking?

[619]

The team added veteran linebacker Morlon Greenwood and released Derrick Gray.

I wouldn't expect him to contend for the starting strongside spot, and instead Cable is saying this is an insurance move. As you will remember, Ekejiuba, one of our core special teamers, was injured in our first preseason game with a dislocated shoulder, and Greenwood has some experience in that phase of the game.

Morrison and Brown are better natural fits in the middle, and Alston is probably better suited for a backup role. I would've preferred Derrick Brooks to challenge Alston, but it looks like the team isn't ready to commit to that drastic of a move to our defense yet.

[Donno]

Im looking for Chaz to have a breakout season, he has been JaMarcus' favorite target so far and hes got the hands. I think Javon will do ok if he doesn't get hurt. Im worried about DHB's hands, if he can catch the ball he will be a dangerous deep threat. Im hoping Arman Shields and Will Franklin can breakout as well then we will have quite some depth.

[619]

Im looking for Chaz to have a breakout season, he has been JaMarcus' favorite target so far and hes got the hands. I think Javon will do ok if he doesn't get hurt. Im worried about DHB's hands, if he can catch the ball he will be a dangerous deep threat. Im hoping Arman Shields and Will Franklin can breakout as well then we will have quite some depth.

The team waived Shields a few weeks back. I'm not sure Franklin will make the final roster cut. I'd like to see Nick Miller somehow make it, though.

[Bosanac01]

So apparently Cable is a badass.

http://football.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/13294/20090817/cable_punched_assistant_coach/

[bernbabybern820]

OMG Schillens out with a broken bone in his foot. Likely to miss the season opener or more. Damn it.

[619]

OMG Schillens out with a broken bone in his foot. Likely to miss the season opener or more. Damn it.

Huge blow. Probably the most impressive player in camp this year. Ideally, I'd like to see the two rookie receivers starting as a result, but that's not going to happen. Still, I'm hoping Murphy sees an increased role in our offense, in particular.

[619]

Lorenzo Neal is the latest to be waived to make room for Rashad Baker who was signed to add depth to the position while Mitchell is out with the hamstring injury.

The team must've really liked what they saw from Gary Russell in the first game and O'Neal is still in the picture, so it's not all that surprising that Neal was the odd man out.

Baker was a solid special teams player from what I remember the last two seasons and he even made some big plays on defense when given an opportunity to start towards the tail-end of last year. Anyways here's the link from the team site:

http://www.raiders.com/Team/Default.aspx?id=152

[LonghornsLegend]

Didn't see a Raiders discussion thread, but you guys recently picked up DB Mike Hawkins off waivers who the Cowboys released a few weeks ago and wanted to shed a little light on him.


He was the #1 DB in Texas back in 02 coming out of HS and a stud at OU before being kicked off the team for disciplinary reasons. He got on with the AFL Dallas Desperados with no problem before being drafted in the 5th round but he has 1st round talent ability no question.


Guy has all traits Al Davis loves, size, speed and athleticism. He still runs a low 4.2 at 6'2, and his coverage skills are LEGIT, always have been. He was making quite a name for himself at our camp before he bruised his patella and I think he was going to make the 53 man roster. He was making picks, being around the ball, but his problem is always injuries because he's skinny for a DB and can't stay healthy.


Don't expect much because he's probably still recovering, he'd be a great PS stash though and he has loads of potential to be tapped into, I hated to see him get hurt as our depth at corner is ****** now and he looked like our 4th best DB, but when your on the roster bubble you have to stay healthy or your gone. Hopefully he turns things around for you guys but I've always been a fan of his ability.

[Stash]

Thanks for the info LL.

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4949/aldavis.jpg

[Donno]

Would you guys agree that what ever happens on opening night will set the tone for the rest of the season?

[619]

Would you guys agree that what ever happens on opening night will set the tone for the rest of the season?

I wouldn’t only because of coach Tom Cable, plus we’ve got a banged up group at the moment so I wouldn’t expect the best of efforts for the first part of our schedule.

The fact is we aren’t as bad as the preseason record and scores indicate; all it tells us is we’ve got terrible depth at some of the most key positions, particularly on the lines. Still, a positive to take from coach Cable is his innate ability to get the team focused on the task at hand and away from all other distractions, something we’ve severely lacked since the Gruden days.

Any failure past opening night has more to do with the poor play of our front 7 on defense than anything else. Patching things up on both fronts is not going to do us any good both short and long-term.

For all the talk of our ineptitude offensively, this may be the year when the tide turns, especially once Schilens is healthy – the offense’s missing playmaker for much of the preseason. The end of last season, and the first preseason game should tell us that Russell is a completely different guy when Schilens is in the starting lineup. The two have worked extensively in the offseason and up to the injury everything would attest to this newfound chemistry. Add Murphy to that picture and we’ve got enough playmakers to do a bit of damage.

I’d stop getting our hopes up until Al realizes this team must be built up the correct way, and that doesn’t mean through the skill positions. Maybe this is the year he goes back to his roots and decides to shore up the offensive/defensive fronts in order for this team to take the next step, which I believe would be a team on the playoff bubble. Right now we’re much too short of that, and thus we’re a couple more years away..

[bernbabybern820]

Would you guys agree that what ever happens on opening night will set the tone for the rest of the season?

I wouldn't put too much of judgment on the first game since San Diego may actually be a great team but if we lose to KC and Denver in the next games it probably spells doom.

[RaiderNation]

Cuts

S Jerome Boyd
WR Johnnie Holland
LB David Nixon
LB Slade Norris
LB Chris O’Neal
FB Marcel Reece
RB Gary Russell
LB Morlon Greenwood
CB Justin Miller
QB Jeff Garcia
S Rashad Baker (waived injured)
DB Michael Hawkins (waived injured)
C John Wade (waived injured)
DT Ryan Boschetti
DT Terdell Sands
CB Darrick Brown
OT Seth Wand
G Mark Wilson
T James Marten
TE Darrell Strong
DE Greyson Gunheim


Also it looks like a trade might be in the works for Fargas or Bush. We are close to signing DT Alfonso Boone and are looking to sign a saftey and CB

[Abaddon]

Does anybody know how Greg Ellis is looking?
Looks like more or less a lateral move from Burgess. Gets upfield, but does little in run defense. The only place where he visibly stands out from Burgess is his vocal leadership.
OMG Schillens out with a broken bone in his foot. Likely to miss the season opener or more. Damn it.
The only WR on the roster who looked like he knew how to play the position. Huge loss, and an injury that's known to linger for weeks, if not months longer than the expected return date.
Would you guys agree that what ever happens on opening night will set the tone for the rest of the season?

I think everyone, including the team, knows that's going to be a blowout. There's very little heart on this team, so it could send them into an earlier downward spiral than if they had drawn a lesser team to open the season against.

But, regardless, this is a 2-5 win team and there's not much that can be done to change that at this point.

[Abaddon]

QUARTERBACKS (3)_JaMarcus Russell, Bruce Gradkowski, Charlie Frye

Can’t cut Russell, and there’s no one to replace him anyway. If Frye or Grads has to play, I doubt we’d see much difference. Garcia should give the UFL a look at this point.


RUNNING BACKS (6)_RB Darren McFadden, RB Justin Fargas, RB Michael Bush, RB Louis Rankin, FB Oren O’Neal, FB Luke Lawton

I half expected both Rankin and Russell to be cut. But if one were to make it, I thought Russell had more overall value. I guess the team just didn’t view him as being the new Zack Crockett that some expected he’d be. Supposedly, Rankin is a good return man. I must have missed that game. But, hey. All three top backs have missed time with injury, and neither O’Neal or Lawton have any upside as ball carriers. Insurance is good, and let’s face it. What other position had a player worth keeping that justified letting go of the preseason All Star? Could move to #3 whenever Fargas is let go.


WIDE RECEIVERS (7)_Chaz Schilens, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Louis Murphy, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Javon Walker, Nick Miller, Todd Watkins.

What a sad unit this is. Watkins brings nothing to the table. There’s simply no logic in retaining him. If you cut him, no one is going to pick him up. What’s the point of clinging to him? Nick Miller proving once again that the more you can do, the harder you are to get rid of. He’s a definite downgrade as a return man, at least at this point. But, he does have upside at WR. Justin Miller is the worst DB in football and is purely a KR, thus the other Miller's superior value. I guess the team doesn’t mind downgrading today in the hopes of developing a player for tomorrow. Lots of upside in this group. Not much to work with initially, though.


TIGHT ENDS (3)_Zach Miller, Brandon Myers, Tony Stewart

TE is what we thought it would be. The talk of “We’ll only carry two TEs” worried me a bit. It’s good to see that common sense prevailed in this particular case. Not often that you see that happen in Oakland.


OFFENSIVE LINE (9)_LT Mario Henderson, LG Robert Gallery, C Chris Morris, RG Cooper Carlisle, RT Cornell Green, T Khalif Barnes, C-G Samson Satele, G Paul McQuistan, T Erik Pears.

Brutal. McQuistan has looked like crap on the left side. Dude’s a RG/RT. Playing man up on 3 techs is not playing to the man’s strengths. I still don’t trust Henderson. Morris starting because there’s literally no one else on the roster capable. Satele is officially a waste of a draft pick for the second time in his career. Carlisle and Green are embarrassments at this point. But, hey. DHB sure is fast. Mike Mitchell is gonna be The Assassin part 2. Much better choices than a lineman.


DEFENSIVE LINE (8)_DE Greg Ellis, DT Gerard Warren, DT Tommy Kelly, DE Trevor Scott, DT Desmond Bryant, DT William Joseph, DE Jay Richardson, DE Matt Shaugnnessy.

Looks like a mirror image of the O-line. Only difference is that there’s one youngster (Bryant) who could really turn out to be a keeper. Maybe even an eventual starter. Too early to tell, obviously. But his level of effort alone makes him the team’s best interior lineman. Warren and Kelly are soft. Neither should be starting in the NFL. Ellis may not be any better in run defense than Burgess was. Scott simply cannot be allowed to start in the regular season. Put Richardson’s unimpressive butt out there. Give Shaugnnessy the start. Try Bryant at RE. Anything. Just send Scott back to nickel duty. Good thing they have DHB and Mitchell. Otherwise, they might have taken a DE or DT and accidentally improved the line from pathetic to below average.


LINEBACKERS: (6)_WLB Thomas Howard, MLB Kirk Morrison, SLB Jon Alston, MLB-SLB Ricky Brown, LB Isaiah Ekejiuba, LB Sam Williams.

Same sad group as last year. This defense is going nowhere and they’re getting there in a damn hurry. How a team with a front 7 roster this bad could essentially stand pat defies all forms of logic. If you need any proof that Al Davis doesn’t understand what it takes to win, you need look no further than the Raider front 7.


DEFENSIVE BACKS (8)_CB Nnamdi Asomugha, SS Tyvon Branch, FS Hiram Eugene, CB Chris Johnson, CB Stanford Routt, S Mike Mitchell, CB John Bowie, S Michael Huff.

Still looks like Nnamdi and…not much. I’m hopeful that Johnson can pick up where he left off, but that’s asking for a lot. Routt has demonstrated that he’ll never be starting material. Huff needs to be moved to corner. He’s not going to make it as a safety in this “scheme” Al is so infatuated with. I hope Bowie has to play a lot on defense this year. The more he plays and gets humiliated, the worse Al looks for keeping him around. His scholarship is probably the most inexplicable. The guy simply cannot play. But, hey. That Mike Mitchell guy…he’s going to…yeah.


SPECIALISTS (3)_P Shane Lechler, PK Sebastian Janikowski, LS Jon Condo.

Nothing to see here.

[Abaddon]

Man, that's ugly.

[chapo123]

you guys just picked up richard seymour for 2011 1st rd pick

[Donno]

Wow, I like Seymour but thats a lot to pay for him.

[RaiderNation]

Looking at our schedule, best we can go is 9-7. Id probably say 7-9 or 6-10 would be a good prediction though. Depends on if JaMarcus can keep improving and how much Seymour helps our run D

[doingthisinsteadofwork]

I think we win 3 games tops.

[Abaddon]

If Seymour reports and plays like he's not completely miserable being a Raider, He might be good for another win or two.

...but he has to actually show up for that to happen.

Fates willing, he won't show up, the trade gets axed, Oakland gets their draft pick back, and Al doesn't something intelligent like drafting linemen for the foreseeable future instead of these god damn track & field guys.

[619]

I think we win 3 games tops.

Is this team really worse than any team we've had during this horrid six-year losing stretch?

[Stash]

We won 5 games last year so I don't think it's too much to predict that we can win at least that much this year. Remember, Kwame was our starting LT for most of last year and McFadden got turf toe over and over again. I think with those two things changing our offense will be improved. Our D will still suck, but it sucked last year and we still won 5 games and were very close in most of the others. I'll say we win 5-7 games.

[Donno]

Not trying to be a homer but I think the Raiders have potential, it is possible they could win the division. It is all up to Jamarcus Russell, if he can get the ball to Chaz, DHB, and Murphy that offense can do some damage. The defense looks pretty average but with Seymour coming in they have potential to be good. On paper they look good but history tells me they will blow.

[slightlyaraiderfan]

any word on Seymour? or did we just give up a first for nothing

[Scotty D]

any word on Seymour? or did we just give up a first for nothing

The fines will force him to show up, but I would not give him a contract before the season starts. Let him earn it, you can always franchise him.

[619]

any word on Seymour? or did we just give up a first for nothing

Here's an excellent article on the Seymour situation.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/251381-new-england-tells-richard-seymour-it-is-pay-back-time

We can always call back our pick, though I have a gut feeling this is all going to end with a contract extension. The man wants to get paid either way. He'll have to move on.

[slightlyaraiderfan]

The Oakland Tribune reports that WR Chaz Schilens is hoping to return for the second game of the regular season. "Without getting into anything too specific, I'd say it's on schedule. Everything is settled, the bone is healing well," Schilens said. "It's not up to me. It's kind of up to how much pain I have in my foot and how much pain I can deal with."

[raiderz4life]

Here's an excellent article on the Seymour situation.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/251381-new-england-tells-richard-seymour-it-is-pay-back-time

We can always call back our pick, though I have a gut feeling this is all going to end with a contract extension. The man wants to get paid either way. He'll have to move on.

So we can get our 1st round pick refunded??? I think we should do that....I don't want anyone thats going to have the same Randy Moss-que attitude when he got here. Giving up on the team during a game.

[slightlyaraiderfan]

So we can get our 1st round pick refunded??? I think we should do that....I don't want anyone thats going to have the same Randy Moss-que attitude when he got here. Giving up on the team during a game.

We should be able to get it back, Seymour has to pass a physical for the deal to go through.

[RaiderNation]

Time for me to buy a new jersey.... thinking of the AFL away throw back DMC one

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/oaklandraiders_2071_5231633

[Kurve]

I had a thought if it were possible to convince Al Davis to move the raiders somewhere else but he had to change the name of the team similar to what happened with the Browns going to Baltimore being the Ravens. Then the league installing a expansion team in LA or somewhere in California and calling them the Raiders!! Ahhhhh now that would make me such a happy man!

[chapo123]

the raiders are so bad i'm already thinking of next years draft:
assuming we pick 2nd in every round:

1. russell okung - ot
2. jerad odrick - dt
3. tony pike - qb
4. shaun laavoa - g
5. tj ward - s
6. javier arenas - cb
7. will parker - ot

[RaiderNation]

I want Bulaga in the 1st. Great run blocker that can play both LT and RT. Lets see if we sign Henderson to a long term deal

[619]

I want Bulaga in the 1st. Great run blocker that can play both LT and RT. Lets see if we sign Henderson to a long term deal

I'm right with you here. This is who I think we need, not necessarily sure whether Al would agree lol. Watch him go with Dunlap.

[Stash]

Watch him go with Taylor Mays.

[619]

Watch him go with Taylor Mays.

It wouldn't really solve much for us, but at least you wouldn't need to worry about another first rounder of ours busting, at least I think.

[Stash]

I was half joking, you must be a USC fan or something.

[619]

I was half joking, you must be a USC fan or something.

Yes, I am. Mays has been linked to us before, so I wouldn't find it all that surprising even if he were to be considered. It's obvious he fits Al's mold.

[RaiderNation]

I hope when Al leaves we switch to a 3-4. Seems like all the Superbowl winner are 3-4 Defenses or have dominant dline play. Seymour could be the center piece and Greg Ellis a OLB. Morrison and Howard at ILB. Draft/sign a OLB, Kelly at DE, draft/sign a real NT. We could acutaully blitz out of the scheme and make our secondary look alot better

[Whistler6]

I'm seriously upset that Jamarcus "Shake, rattle, and" Russel hasn't even provided 1 single highlight yet this season... Chris Berman is dying to get his hands on that name.

I guess it's just too bad completion percentage wasn't batting average, he'd be up there with Joe Mauer.

[AlexDown]

Heh....

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/raiders_achieve_first_down

I'm sorry.....

[NIN1984]

Looks like Bill Callahan was right when he said

"We've got to be the dumbest team in America in terms of playing the game" If we don’t learn how not to beat ourselves, we won’t win again, and we won’t win for a long time!

going 7 years strong

[RaiderNation]

Heres a update on what Ive done in the forum mock. Trades:
Raiders Get: QB Tarvaris Jackson and #93
Vikings Get: #71

This was before I drafted Clausen, Russell is a bust, Jackson has shown some talent, still get to keep a 3rd too

Oakland gets
#5 and Derrick Johnson OLB
Kansas City gets
#7 Michael Huff FS and 5th rounder from NE through Den

We dont need Huff, Branch will slide to FS and Mitchell will be the SS, Johnson with Morrison and Howard is pretty sick.

Drafts picks
1st Jimmy Clausen QB
Wanted McCoy or Suh, but couldnt pass up Clausen. Big arm with good size. Clausen just seems like he is going to be a pro bowler

2nd Marvin Austin DT
Big upgrade over Warren. Austin is a NT in a 4-3 and with him added to the line, I expect alot of good. Seymour Kelly Austin Ellis

Now I might try to trade back up into the 2nd and get a RT.

[RaiderNation]

Watching Josh Freeman right now.... wow. Thats how Russell should be playing. 3 TD passes in his 1st start, Russell has 2 TDs this season

[SwagU]

Watching Josh Freeman right now.... wow. Thats how Russell should be playing. 3 TD passes in his 1st start, Russell has 2 TDs this season

Yep I know why Freeman use to get so pissed when people comapred him to Russell. Russell has taken three years to get to this point Freeman has out shown him in one start.

[Hermstheman83]

Where is this forum mock that everyone always talks about?

[RaiderNation]

I hope Charlie Frye gets a chance sometime this season. He is a better fit than Gradkowski, and we already know about Russell

[619]

Frye supposedly has the work ethic Russell could never emulate in his three years here. I'd like to see him get a shot at some point because of his intangibles and superior tools to that of Gradkowski. Russell can go rot on the bench as far as I'm concerned.

[Paranoidmoonduck]

Charlie Frye? Really? I never saw him do anything but suck in Cleveland. At least Gradkowski won some games in Tampa.

[RaiderNation]

Im now thinking that DE is not a need, or atleast a early draft need. Shaughnessy is playing great right now. Seymour is great, Scott is a nice pass rusher and Greg Ellis when healthy is a nice vet DE. We are a good DT away from having a great dline. Suh or Marvin Austin seem like great fits at NT in our 4-3

[RaiderNation]

Also some more good news IMO, Raiders are staying in Oakland til atleast 2013.

The Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Authority and The Oakland Raiders have reached a tentative agreement to extend the term of the Raiders’ lease at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum through the 2013 NFL Football Season. The Authority, the City of Oakland, the County of Alameda and the National Football League must formally approve the agreement. Supervisor Scott Haggerty, Chair of the Authority and Alameda County Supervisor, and Ignacio De La Fuente, Vice-Chair of the Authority and Oakland City Council member, anticipate that the Authority, County and City will vote on the proposal in public session before the end of the year.

Chairman Haggerty remarked on the efforts of the Raiders and Authority to build a positive working relationship, saying, ‘This agreement is a milestone in our improved working relationship with the team. There are many uncertainties in Bay Area sports and during these tough economic times, we hope that this agreement will help us build on the great Raiders tradition in the East Bay.”

Vice-Chair De La Fuente commented, “Our agreement with the Raiders to extend the existing agreement will allow us to begin working on long-term plans to provide an East Bay home for the Raiders for many years to come.”

[RaiderNation]

David Lee(Miami Dolphins QB Coach)- Was the OC in Arkansas where he used DMC in the wildcat. He is doing great in Miami, get him here we might use DMC correctly plus have Michael Bush in the wildcat.

Jim Harbaugh(Stanford Head Coach)-Has done wonders in Stanford, former coach here in Oakland. Seems like every time we are hiring a head coach, he is in the talk.

Jim Fassel(Las Vegas Locomotives Head Coach)- Another guy who seems to be in the talks as our Head coach. Won the superbowl earlier this decade. Has expressed interest in coaching here

Denny Green(California Redwoods)-Vet coach that has coached on every level. Great offensive mind, wouldnt mind him as a OC here or Head Coach if none of the guys above get the job

[619]

Kevin Gilbride (Giants OC) nearly beat out Cable for a HC job here last year so I'd like to think that he'd be in the discussion this offseason as well. I have a very hard time seeing Cable stick around no matter what he does for the rest of the season. He's not an NFL-calibur HC and neither is he a good OC or playcaller - let him do what he does best and that's handle our OL duties assuming he wants to stay.

[RaiderNation]

Id like to see Cable stay as our oline coach. He has improved the unit alot since he came in.

[RaiderNation]

Attempt at a mock draft for us... those are the correct picks right?

1st Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame Jr
2nd Jason Fox OT Miami
3rd Dan Williams DT Tennessee
3rd Syd'Quan Thompson CB Cal
4th Jermaine Cunningham DE Florida
5th Jeff Byers OG USC
5th Taylor Price WR Ohio
7th Patrick Trahan OLB Ole Miss

[EvilNixon]

I don't want a QB. Not one in the first this year. I'd draft only in the trenches the first 3 rounds.

[RaiderNation]

I don't want a QB. Not one in the first this year. I'd draft only in the trenches the first 3 rounds.

I think Suh, McCoy and Okung will be gone by we pick. So we either reach for Anthony Davis or take a QB

[EvilNixon]

I think Suh, McCoy and Okung will be gone by we pick. So we either reach for Anthony Davis or take a QB

We'll be around the first 5 picks,1 of those will definitely take a QB(Rams),and 1 possibly will with a new regime(Browns). We should have a shot at one of them.

[Paranoidmoonduck]

I think Suh, McCoy and Okung will be gone by we pick. So we either reach for Anthony Davis or take a QB

Why do you think they'll be gone? Detroit and Cleveland play each other this week, so one of the 1 win teams is going to have 2 wins by Monday (probably Detroit). If it is Detroit, that makes one of the teams most likely to take a DT and has them potentially picking behind us. Oakland's best shot at even one more win is against Cleveland, and that is far from a sure thing. Tampa Bay has gotten damn close to winning recently (although the rest of their schedule isn't very easy). Same deal with the Rams.

I'd be surprised if Oakland wins another game all year and winds up picking out of the top 5. I'd also be surprised if all three of those players are gone before we pick.

[RaiderNation]

Didnt know that game could effect us.... go Detriot! I think we can beat Washington, maybe pull out another out of no where game too.

Do you guys want McCoy though? I dont think he fills a need at DT for us. Suh fits alot better.

[Paranoidmoonduck]

Has Tommy Kelly been all that great? No. Is he managing to stay healthy? Not really. I think Kelly can be a good player, but he's been nothing but potential for years now and hasn't really even played above average since Oakland stopped running a 34 defense.

McCoy would be what we all wish Kelly was. I'd prefer Suh, but I'd love either. That said, I'm not entirely opposed to a quarterback either, but I'm far from sold on either Bradford, Clausen, or Locker.

[Stash]

Is Locker even coming out this year? I think it would be foolish for him to, he has great physical tools but needs more polish passing the ball.

[EvilNixon]

Has Tommy Kelly been all that great? No. Is he managing to stay healthy? Not really. I think Kelly can be a good player, but he's been nothing but potential for years now and hasn't really even played above average since Oakland stopped running a 34 defense.

McCoy would be what we all wish Kelly was. I'd prefer Suh, but I'd love either. That said, I'm not entirely opposed to a quarterback either, but I'm far from sold on either Bradford, Clausen, or Locker.

If somehow,we land either the big 2 in round 1,and Mount Cody slips,we could have completely fixed our running problem.

ATM,however,I think we'll lose out on them and possibly draft Okung,who I'm not high on,but is a major need.

[RaiderNation]

Been watching Clausen play today. He is the real deal

[RaiderNation]

If somehow,we land either the big 2 in round 1,and Mount Cody slips,we could have completely fixed our running problem.

ATM,however,I think we'll lose out on them and possibly draft Okung,who I'm not high on,but is a major need.

Mount Cody is strictly a 3-4 NT IMO. Suh or Marvin Austin seem like the best fit at our 4-3 NT. Im all for changing to a 3-4 D though.... Kelly Cody Seymour as the front 3 with Shaughnessy Morrison Howard Ellis/Scott as our LB's

[EvilNixon]

Mount Cody is strictly a 3-4 NT IMO. Suh or Marvin Austin seem like the best fit at our 4-3 NT. Im all for changing to a 3-4 D though.... Kelly Cody Seymour as the front 3 with Shaughnessy Morrison Howard Ellis/Scott as our LB's

I'd like him as a 4-3 NT and his lack of a pass rush will hurt,but he eats space,and that's exactly what we need.

[Young Legend]

Kelly isn't what they thought he was,he is not that pass rushing DT
They should ask him to put on A few more pounds he is playing good ball but just not balling great ball like his contract.

Seymour on the other hand needs to playing DT turning 30 and all seriousness his skills is getting wasted playing DE in the 43.WHen he slides inside man he plays so much better.and actually get a pass rush on the QB.

The Cowboy game proved on thing everyone want's to say Oakland needs a DT but DE is by far a greater need.Seymour doesn't provide a pass rush,Ellis doesn't either,Scott is well a enigma who only plays well every 8 games or so will have a 2 sack game and then go sack less for 5 straight games and he just doesn't have a good pass rushing move. \The Raiders don't have one guy on the roster that you can put out on there and say go get the QB and count on him to get you 10 plus sacks.And that hurts them so bad.3rd downs are so easy to convert against Oakland cause you know no pressure is coming from the ends.And that's why I will go with Derrick Morgan every day and twice on Sunday not only can you count on him to get you mulit plus sacks but he can also play the run.

The Raiders sack leader is Greg Old man Ellis with 5. 5 Sacks threw what 11 games.pathetic!! WHy is the giants defense line so great? Cause of the DE's they can throw at you Kiwanuka,Tuck,Umenyiora.

[BuffaloBillsFan]

Trent Williams will be a better left tackle than Jason Fox, I'm not sure why so many fans keep choosing Fox over Williams.

[RaiderNation]

Trent Williams wont be a LT in the NFL.

[Paranoidmoonduck]

By the way, it's official. Bruce Gradkowski is the ******* man.

Great story relayed by left tackle Mario Henderson in talking with reporters after the game.

On the Raiders final drive, Henderson looked up at the big screen to see how he had carried out his assignment on the previous play.

Big mistake.

“Bruce was like, `Stop ******* looking at that thing and get your mind right,’ ” Henderson said. “I looked at him like, `You talkin’ to me?’ . . . I was like, `OK, you’re right. You’re right. You the man. You the man.’ ”

Langston Walker, who said he hadn’t lined up at guard since the night in 2003 when Brett Favre lit up the Raiders on Monday NIght football, said his first time on the field with Gradkowski was impressive.

“Bruce is fiery,” Walker said. “He’s yelling at us, screaming at us, running around like a banshee, but it’s all controlled. That’s how he gets it done. You saw the result.”

Added Cornell Green: “Bruce had something about him today. I don’t know if it was being home or just letting it all hang out, but he took control of the huddle. He’s cursing at people to hurry up. He brings that to the team. He brings that fire and that’s good.”

Gradkowski said it’s all part of the job description.

“When I am out there, when I am at practice, it is my offense and that is how I’m going to lead,” Gradkowski said.

[RaiderNation]

Gradkowski is officially a boss

[Paranoidmoonduck]

In contrast, this is a photo of JaMarcus Russell with what is, I'm almost 100% sure, a bag of skittles in his pants.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m249/paranoidmoonduck/russellskittles.jpg

[Oaktown1981]

Their sunflower seeds

[RaiderNation]

We signed JP Losman since Gradkowski got hurt

[Paranoidmoonduck]

We signed JP Losman since Gradkowski got hurt

Sigh. Oh good.

My sincere wish is that Al decides he made a mistake in 2001 and brings back Gruden as head coach.

[locseti]

Losman>Jamarcus, so whatevs. Who would you all rather have as our head coach next year, fassel or cable?

[Stash]

I like the signing. Good way to insure JR doesn't see the field again, but this late in the season I doubt JP sees any game time. It'll probably be Frye all the way unless he gets hurt or looks worse than JR (that's impossible though).

[619]

What are everyone's thoughts on the rumor of Mike Leach taking over for Cable? This is obviously a desperate attempt by Al to get the most out of his busted picks. It may make for an exciting, wide-open offense, and it may be a good fit for our personnel on offense, but the goal of this organization is to get back into the playoffs and establish a winning culture, and I'm not certain Leach will provide any more of that for us than Cable did.

[619]

I also thought I'd post this:

Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell was absent from the final team meeting of the year, an absence caused by "personal reasons," according to coach Tom Cable.

As it turned out, though, Oakland Tribune columnist Cam Inman discovered through a tip that Russell is a guest of the Palms hotel and casino in Las Vegas.

Wow.

Could Russell, who missed the meeting as well as defensive end Richard Seymour, have had a personal issue to deal with before he traveled to Vegas? Sure, that's possible. But it still looks bad.

And it shows that he isn't taking football as seriously as a former top overall draft pick with a gigantic contract should be.
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Wilson-Russell-Seymour-miss-Raiders-team-meeting.html

[slightlyaraiderfan]

haha what a douche

[zachsaints52]

Well when he has the money why not make it rain in Vegas? What else would he do, read a playbook or watch film?

[Cicero]

Does anyone have a link showing how many times Asomugha (still the best CB in the league) got targeted this year?

[619]

Does anyone have a link showing how many times Asomugha (still the best CB in the league) got targeted this year?

A grand total of 28.

http://www.profootballfocus.com/by_position.php?tab=by_position&season=2009&pos=CB&stype=r&runpass=&teamid=-1&numsnaps=25&numgames=1

[EvilNixon]

Anyone saw the Nnamdi interview on NFL Network? He pretty much believes JaMarcus is the starter,reaffirming what I thought.

[Paranoidmoonduck]

Anyone saw the Nnamdi interview on NFL Network? He pretty much believes JaMarcus is the starter,reaffirming what I thought.

Well, he didn't really say whether he thought Russell would be good enough to keep the job, just that he could be good enough, which is what we already know. He answered the question well though and carried that whole interview pretty well.