After a brief hiatus, The Assassin's back on it.
It sounds and looks like the losing ways and circus that the Raiders call personnel and managerial decision making continued while I was out.
Unfortunately, that's now to be expected. Let's hope that the team can pull it together today, possibly do something on offense and get a win. That's probably a long shot, I know, you know, we all know.
Regardless, I'll be back on top of things this week.
Just Win Baby!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Ask and you shall receive (I guess)
Just a quick update on this dreary and cold Saturday morning.
It sounds like Jamarcus Russell has a bit of tendinitis in his knee and didn't participate in Friday's practice at all. What's this mean????? Walter could get the start on Sunday.
Let's get one thing straight now, though. I'm not glad Russell's dinged up and I don't wish injury upon anyone. I'm glad that Walter is finally at least getting a shot. Russell's not cutting it and Walter deserves at least the chance to show what he can do. That's all I want to see. If Walter fails, so be it. He at least deserves a shot to prove himself.
McFadden's still questionable for this weekend and likely won't see the field. He's still in a walking boot and they tried to fit him for new cleats to ease the pain and allow him to play, but turf toe is painful and tough to shake.
Mario Henderson and Kwame Harris will also be splitting time at left offensive tackle. I'm not fond of offensive lineman splitting time and rotating in and out. I think that ruins the consistency, communication and general group dynamic that the line builds up working with each other practice after practice, game after game. But, the fact remains that Kwame Harris has been a liability at left tackle. He constantly got beat and as a mechanism to put a stop to getting beat, he decided to constantly draw false start penalties. Mario Henderson will be raw, but I hope that he can bring some consistently good play to the position and help protect the quarterback. Harris needs to play well or he could quickly be the next high priced offseason signing out on the waiver wire.
A couple of other quick injury notes.....Gibril Wilson (groin) missed a second practice in three days and is questionable along with tight end Tony Stewart (knee). OLB Ricky Brown (groin) is doubtful, giving Sam Williams his first chance to start in a year.
It sounds like Jamarcus Russell has a bit of tendinitis in his knee and didn't participate in Friday's practice at all. What's this mean????? Walter could get the start on Sunday.
Let's get one thing straight now, though. I'm not glad Russell's dinged up and I don't wish injury upon anyone. I'm glad that Walter is finally at least getting a shot. Russell's not cutting it and Walter deserves at least the chance to show what he can do. That's all I want to see. If Walter fails, so be it. He at least deserves a shot to prove himself.
McFadden's still questionable for this weekend and likely won't see the field. He's still in a walking boot and they tried to fit him for new cleats to ease the pain and allow him to play, but turf toe is painful and tough to shake.
Mario Henderson and Kwame Harris will also be splitting time at left offensive tackle. I'm not fond of offensive lineman splitting time and rotating in and out. I think that ruins the consistency, communication and general group dynamic that the line builds up working with each other practice after practice, game after game. But, the fact remains that Kwame Harris has been a liability at left tackle. He constantly got beat and as a mechanism to put a stop to getting beat, he decided to constantly draw false start penalties. Mario Henderson will be raw, but I hope that he can bring some consistently good play to the position and help protect the quarterback. Harris needs to play well or he could quickly be the next high priced offseason signing out on the waiver wire.
A couple of other quick injury notes.....Gibril Wilson (groin) missed a second practice in three days and is questionable along with tight end Tony Stewart (knee). OLB Ricky Brown (groin) is doubtful, giving Sam Williams his first chance to start in a year.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Hall's out. Harbaugh's in? Kiffin was right.
Twenty four hours later and nothing too serious, as of 6:39 EDT. Who the heck knows what may happen in the next couple hours.
We do know this though.....DeAngelo Hall's out. Regardless of whether players agreed with it or not, I can tell you this. I agree with the move. Here's why:
Hall was beaten 40 times for 552 yards on 66 passes thrown his way, according to data compiled by STATS LLC. He gave up more yards than any defender this season and was tied for third worst in catches allowed.
Now, is that worthy of a 7 year, $70 million dollar contract? I wouldn't think so (and there's no way anyone with any common sense would either). No matter whether you're a fan of Hall or not, you can't argue with the abysmal nature of those numbers. Sometimes you just need to cut your losses when you're not getting any value out of your investments. It was clear that what the Raiders were paying him and what they were getting out of him on the field were not equal. At all. I was never a Hall fan (still think he's overrated) and didn't think that was a prudent pick up when it happened.
What kills the team is that we lost a second round draft pick in the 2008 draft and will lose a fifth round pick in the 2009 pick. That's what hurts the worst. That hurts the team's future and right now, that's about all we have left to look forward to, as fans. It's getting harder and harder to do that.
Wh0's next on the chopping block? Who knows. It could be Javon Walker. It should be Kwame Harris. And, all those high priced players probably should step it up on the field and start giving the team, Al Davis and the fans a little bit of return on their investment or they may be out.
Al's heart was in the right place when he sold a 20 percent share of the team, gave away money like it was going out of style and signed all those free agents. It's a shame that his head was not. He wanted to win and he threw money at the problem to try to improve the team and, frankly, that was probably one of the only ways to get guys to come there. He just didn't do it smartly, got himself into some salary cap trouble and now he's trying to get out from under some bad investments.
The worst part is that it looks like Kiffin was right in his evaluations of the team and what he wanted to do. He didn't want Hall and wanted to cut him after preseason. He didn't want Russell and now he may be right there too. So, one has to wonder, why did Al fire him and then just turn around and do what Kiffin wanted to do anyway? Was Al's ego and personal pride more valuable than an up and coming, young, intelligent head coach that looked to have the team headed in the right direction? I guess we all know the answer to that.
On a bit more positive note, it sounds like there are some rumors floating around that Al likes Jim Harbaugh as a possible fit for the head coaching position. That may not be a bad hire. A hard nose guy with great character that may be able to change the team and organizational culture without getting on Al's bad side. Coaching rumors are great to talk about, but we have bigger issues to deal with right now.
Don't let the above positivity go to your head though. The game this Sunday appears to be headed for a blackout in the Bay Area. That's one way fans can voice their disapproval of what's going on....don't go to the game. Maybe that's the kind of statement that's need to get the organization to listen and make real, smart, well thought out and valuable changes.
We do know this though.....DeAngelo Hall's out. Regardless of whether players agreed with it or not, I can tell you this. I agree with the move. Here's why:
Hall was beaten 40 times for 552 yards on 66 passes thrown his way, according to data compiled by STATS LLC. He gave up more yards than any defender this season and was tied for third worst in catches allowed.
Now, is that worthy of a 7 year, $70 million dollar contract? I wouldn't think so (and there's no way anyone with any common sense would either). No matter whether you're a fan of Hall or not, you can't argue with the abysmal nature of those numbers. Sometimes you just need to cut your losses when you're not getting any value out of your investments. It was clear that what the Raiders were paying him and what they were getting out of him on the field were not equal. At all. I was never a Hall fan (still think he's overrated) and didn't think that was a prudent pick up when it happened.
What kills the team is that we lost a second round draft pick in the 2008 draft and will lose a fifth round pick in the 2009 pick. That's what hurts the worst. That hurts the team's future and right now, that's about all we have left to look forward to, as fans. It's getting harder and harder to do that.
Wh0's next on the chopping block? Who knows. It could be Javon Walker. It should be Kwame Harris. And, all those high priced players probably should step it up on the field and start giving the team, Al Davis and the fans a little bit of return on their investment or they may be out.
Al's heart was in the right place when he sold a 20 percent share of the team, gave away money like it was going out of style and signed all those free agents. It's a shame that his head was not. He wanted to win and he threw money at the problem to try to improve the team and, frankly, that was probably one of the only ways to get guys to come there. He just didn't do it smartly, got himself into some salary cap trouble and now he's trying to get out from under some bad investments.
The worst part is that it looks like Kiffin was right in his evaluations of the team and what he wanted to do. He didn't want Hall and wanted to cut him after preseason. He didn't want Russell and now he may be right there too. So, one has to wonder, why did Al fire him and then just turn around and do what Kiffin wanted to do anyway? Was Al's ego and personal pride more valuable than an up and coming, young, intelligent head coach that looked to have the team headed in the right direction? I guess we all know the answer to that.
On a bit more positive note, it sounds like there are some rumors floating around that Al likes Jim Harbaugh as a possible fit for the head coaching position. That may not be a bad hire. A hard nose guy with great character that may be able to change the team and organizational culture without getting on Al's bad side. Coaching rumors are great to talk about, but we have bigger issues to deal with right now.
Don't let the above positivity go to your head though. The game this Sunday appears to be headed for a blackout in the Bay Area. That's one way fans can voice their disapproval of what's going on....don't go to the game. Maybe that's the kind of statement that's need to get the organization to listen and make real, smart, well thought out and valuable changes.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
[Untitled]
First thing's first.......
Let's go back to Sunday, but I'm not even going to go over the stats. (If you want to relive those again or missed the game or numerous press rippings, you can take a look for yourself.) The team was, in one word, HORRIBLE.
Good. Now that's out of the way, let's start with the quarterback.
I'll admit I was advocating patience and waiting to see how JaMarcus Russell developed (you can see my first ever post for proof). I'll also admit that was before I saw him play as bad as he has the past couple games. There appeared to be some sort of light at the end of the tunnel for him in the first couple weeks of the season, but, now, I'm not so sure.
I'm also getting tired of the excuses and blaming his play on the holdout, receivers, O-line, etc. We all see that there are some soft spots. What I'm questioning is Russell's leadership (he is one of the offensive captains), confidence and ability to process the game and what's happening. I'll account for different personalities, but something has to change. He sits on the end of the bench after drives. His body language shows lack of confidence. He rarely is seen talking to the rest of his offensive teammates or trying to get them motivated. Personally, those things aren't leaders do.
People, pundits, whomever, talk about the greats having "it." Now, admittedly, I have no idea what the hell "it" even is, but I will say this.....You knew "it" when you watched Young, Montana, Stabler, Aikman, Kelly, Staubach and company. You know "it" when you watch Brady and Manning. You knew you didn't see "it" when you watched Ryan Leaf, Akili Smith, Heath Shuler, Tim Couch, Cade McNown, Todd Marinovich (AHEM!!!!!) and...you get what I'm trying to say. When I watch, I'm not seeing "it" from Russell. Now, that's not saying he will never get "it," but I'm skeptical now. The guy sure has all the physical skills that one could possibly have. But is the leadership and moxy there? Right now, I'd have to answer that with a, "No."
I'll liken it to a story I heard on sports talk radio one afternoon. The host was invited to an NFL event with some current players. Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers were both there. The host explained that Alex Smith was very timid, very reserved. His handshake wasn't strong and he spent most of the time off to the side talking to only one or two people at a time. Rodgers, on the other hand, had a firm handshake and drew people to him. He commanded respect and commanded the room. He had a personality of strength and leadership that people took to. Now we see how Rodgers' and Smith's careers have gone in opposite directions, even though Smith was the higher draft pick.
I'm getting tired of the excuses people are making for Russell. If he is as great as people think he is, he'll pick himself and the rest of the team up by the chin strap and make the best out of a bad situation, work hard to improve himself and the team and learn and soak up what it takes to play the game and run the offense.
With Russell, I also question the mental aspect of the game. Can he process the defense? Can he maintain and remember and entire playbook for the week, plus hot routes, plus audibles, etc.? Based on what I heard from people that were close to the team when I was out in Oakland, the playbook is drastically limited for him. That can't happen. That's makes the offense predictable and too easy to defend because teams know what's coming or just plain don't care because we can't execute a pass play.
Let's not forget the standings in the AFC West, either. Currently they are as follows:
Denver 4-4
San Diego 3-5
Oakland 2-6
Kansas City 1-7
What's that have to do with anything, you ask? Chew on this.....The Raiders beat the Ravens and the Falcons (two very beatable teams, mind you) and we're tied for the division lead! I guess the best part is, even at 2-6 we're not out of it. We just have to stop losing!
Something needs to change on offense and change fast. We can still win the division! This whole, "we prepare like a Super Bowl team during the week" junk is getting old. To me, that means we have a team full of practice players. Let's see Michael Bush get on the field more. Here's some blasphemy coming your way, so get your delicate eyes ready.......let's see Andrew Walter get a shot! GASP! That's right, I said it. What's it going to hurt? Are we going to lose a game? Trent Dilfer and some others on ESPN will say it's not the fans' choice how teams use their players and develop them. I disagree. We're the ones that buy the tickets, pay the parking, buy the merchandise, buy the concessions, buy the Sunday Ticket to watch the team when we live in Ohio. If we want a change, our concerns should at least be heard.
I couldn't even think of a title for this, hence the lazy '[Untitled].' I know that what's going on with the Raiders is frustrating and so puzzling, it's like nothing I've ever seen as a fan. Is it the owner, the coaching staff, the players, the quarterback, injuries? We can clearly see that the quarterback is not good, right now. Let's hope that's temporary and let's hope the coaching staff gets things together and management can bring some cultural stability and get the team back on track.
I'll be getting all over DeAngelo Hall being released (I'm kind of bummed I can't rip his play now) and whatever else may come between Wednesday night and Thursday night in tomorrow night's post. It is the Oakland Raiders, after all, so stay tuned. It'll probably be very interesting.
Let's go back to Sunday, but I'm not even going to go over the stats. (If you want to relive those again or missed the game or numerous press rippings, you can take a look for yourself.) The team was, in one word, HORRIBLE.
Good. Now that's out of the way, let's start with the quarterback.
I'll admit I was advocating patience and waiting to see how JaMarcus Russell developed (you can see my first ever post for proof). I'll also admit that was before I saw him play as bad as he has the past couple games. There appeared to be some sort of light at the end of the tunnel for him in the first couple weeks of the season, but, now, I'm not so sure.
I'm also getting tired of the excuses and blaming his play on the holdout, receivers, O-line, etc. We all see that there are some soft spots. What I'm questioning is Russell's leadership (he is one of the offensive captains), confidence and ability to process the game and what's happening. I'll account for different personalities, but something has to change. He sits on the end of the bench after drives. His body language shows lack of confidence. He rarely is seen talking to the rest of his offensive teammates or trying to get them motivated. Personally, those things aren't leaders do.
People, pundits, whomever, talk about the greats having "it." Now, admittedly, I have no idea what the hell "it" even is, but I will say this.....You knew "it" when you watched Young, Montana, Stabler, Aikman, Kelly, Staubach and company. You know "it" when you watch Brady and Manning. You knew you didn't see "it" when you watched Ryan Leaf, Akili Smith, Heath Shuler, Tim Couch, Cade McNown, Todd Marinovich (AHEM!!!!!) and...you get what I'm trying to say. When I watch, I'm not seeing "it" from Russell. Now, that's not saying he will never get "it," but I'm skeptical now. The guy sure has all the physical skills that one could possibly have. But is the leadership and moxy there? Right now, I'd have to answer that with a, "No."
I'll liken it to a story I heard on sports talk radio one afternoon. The host was invited to an NFL event with some current players. Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers were both there. The host explained that Alex Smith was very timid, very reserved. His handshake wasn't strong and he spent most of the time off to the side talking to only one or two people at a time. Rodgers, on the other hand, had a firm handshake and drew people to him. He commanded respect and commanded the room. He had a personality of strength and leadership that people took to. Now we see how Rodgers' and Smith's careers have gone in opposite directions, even though Smith was the higher draft pick.
I'm getting tired of the excuses people are making for Russell. If he is as great as people think he is, he'll pick himself and the rest of the team up by the chin strap and make the best out of a bad situation, work hard to improve himself and the team and learn and soak up what it takes to play the game and run the offense.
With Russell, I also question the mental aspect of the game. Can he process the defense? Can he maintain and remember and entire playbook for the week, plus hot routes, plus audibles, etc.? Based on what I heard from people that were close to the team when I was out in Oakland, the playbook is drastically limited for him. That can't happen. That's makes the offense predictable and too easy to defend because teams know what's coming or just plain don't care because we can't execute a pass play.
Let's not forget the standings in the AFC West, either. Currently they are as follows:
Denver 4-4
San Diego 3-5
Oakland 2-6
Kansas City 1-7
What's that have to do with anything, you ask? Chew on this.....The Raiders beat the Ravens and the Falcons (two very beatable teams, mind you) and we're tied for the division lead! I guess the best part is, even at 2-6 we're not out of it. We just have to stop losing!
Something needs to change on offense and change fast. We can still win the division! This whole, "we prepare like a Super Bowl team during the week" junk is getting old. To me, that means we have a team full of practice players. Let's see Michael Bush get on the field more. Here's some blasphemy coming your way, so get your delicate eyes ready.......let's see Andrew Walter get a shot! GASP! That's right, I said it. What's it going to hurt? Are we going to lose a game? Trent Dilfer and some others on ESPN will say it's not the fans' choice how teams use their players and develop them. I disagree. We're the ones that buy the tickets, pay the parking, buy the merchandise, buy the concessions, buy the Sunday Ticket to watch the team when we live in Ohio. If we want a change, our concerns should at least be heard.
I couldn't even think of a title for this, hence the lazy '[Untitled].' I know that what's going on with the Raiders is frustrating and so puzzling, it's like nothing I've ever seen as a fan. Is it the owner, the coaching staff, the players, the quarterback, injuries? We can clearly see that the quarterback is not good, right now. Let's hope that's temporary and let's hope the coaching staff gets things together and management can bring some cultural stability and get the team back on track.
I'll be getting all over DeAngelo Hall being released (I'm kind of bummed I can't rip his play now) and whatever else may come between Wednesday night and Thursday night in tomorrow night's post. It is the Oakland Raiders, after all, so stay tuned. It'll probably be very interesting.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Uncertainty = Failure (almost always)
If Russell is going to carry the Raiders and be the franchise quarterback they need, he better get his mind right and man up. His mannerisms and body language are that of a defeated boy.
We all know that there's not much around you, JaMarcus, but please, please, man up and take this team on your shoulders. That's what the greats do.
At what point, do we as fans, begin to call for Aaron Walter????
(Nevermind the fact that they should've drafted Calvin Johnson in the first round and Trent Edwards in the second round two years ago.)
More Russell and Hall bashing to follow tomorrow.
Please, also, allow me to apologize to my loyal readers for the lack of posts during the past week. As much as I get paid to do this and as much money as I make doing it, I still have another job that gets in the way sometimes.
We all know that there's not much around you, JaMarcus, but please, please, man up and take this team on your shoulders. That's what the greats do.
At what point, do we as fans, begin to call for Aaron Walter????
(Nevermind the fact that they should've drafted Calvin Johnson in the first round and Trent Edwards in the second round two years ago.)
More Russell and Hall bashing to follow tomorrow.
Please, also, allow me to apologize to my loyal readers for the lack of posts during the past week. As much as I get paid to do this and as much money as I make doing it, I still have another job that gets in the way sometimes.
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