Raiders Only

Stanford's Jason Tarver to be Raiders Defensive Coordinator

2012-02-04T22:58:00.000-08:00

Well, the Raiders have finally made their choice for defensive coordinator and they did not look for any current assistants in the NFL but rather at the college ranks. They have hired Stanford's co-defensive coordinator Jason Tarver. This is not the first time Tarver will be a assistant coach in the NFL. He was first hired by the San Francisco 49ers in 2004 and was with them until 2011. He spent most of his time coaching their linebackers. Now, Tarver will be responsible for running Dennis Allen's defense. This is a very surprising hire from the Oakland Raiders as Jason Tarver came out of nowhere. The Raiders were looking at Joe Whitt Jr., the current cornerbacks coach of the Green Bay Packers but he decided to stay in Green Bay. The Raiders tried to get permission to interview Saints defensive line coach Bill Johnson and Broncos linebackers coach Richard Smith but both were denied. And then Greg Manusky who was considered a frontrunner for the job decided to take the job in Indianapolis instead, leaving the Raiders little choice but to look outside. For me, I really do not have an opinion on this because I never heard of the guy. I mean the 49ers hired a Stanford coach last season, Jim Harbaugh, and look how good it go them, 13-3 a NFC West crown and hosting the NFC Championship game.

There should be more on this hire and on this man as this story unfolds in the coming days...

Flashback: 2003 Raiders @ Titans, Raiders Beat the Tuckrule

2012-02-04T16:13:00.001-08:00

Raiders Defensive Coordinator Search Continues

2012-02-02T14:56:00.000-08:00

Raiders looking to Packers' Joe Whitt Jr.

Only a couple days ago it looked like former 49ers and Chargers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky was about to become the Raiders next defensive coordinator. But today he was hired by the Indianapolis Colts to the same position so he is officially out of the picture for the Oakland Raiders. Now, the Raiders are finally looking to Green Bay. Many thought the Raiders would be looking at the Packers staff as soon as Reggie McKenzie was hired as GM but he decided not to go that route. But Dennis Allen now is and he is looking at Green Bays cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt Jr. who is only 33 years old and has been a Green Bay assistant since 2008. Whitt has had the pleasure of coaching players like Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams who have come one as the strength of the Packers defense. If the Raiders decide to go this route and hire Whitt as defensive coordinator, I can really get behind this move because the Raiders weak point on their whole team was their secondary and especially their corners. If this hire falls through, look for the Raiders to maybe go after Green Bay safeties coach Darren Perry who some thought could be a head coaching candidate for Reggie McKenzie's Raiders. In other coaching news, the Raiders have kept assistant offensive line coach Steve Wisniewski on board for 2012, he will hold the same title. Texans former assistant offensive line coach Frank Pollack has joined the Raiders as offensive line coach. And the Raiders have also hired former fullback Justin Griffith as offensive quality control coach. More news should come daily so stay tuned.

Allen Targeting Greg Manusky as Defensive Coordinator

2012-01-31T16:12:00.000-08:00

Manusky spent the past five seasons as a NFL coordinator in San Francisco and San Diego.

The Raiders and new head coach Dennis Allen are wasting no time putting together their coaching staff. It became very clear last night that offensive coordinator Al Saunders would not be back when the Raiders went out and hired a familiar face in Greg Knapp, Knapp who by the way was interviewed by Al Davis to be the head coach of the Raiders when Jon Gruden was traded to Tampa Bay. The Raiders we all know decided to go with then Bill Callahan as head coach over Greg Knapp.

Dennis Allen who ran the Denver Broncos defense last season and improved them from 32nd overall in 2010 to 20th overall said he wants to be involved in all three phases of the Raiders and that means he will not be calling plays. So he wants to find a defensive coordinator who can run his defensive scheme. Many, including myself, thought that man would be former Texans defensive coordinator and current Broncos linebackers coach Richard Smith. But Denver declined the Raiders permission to speak with Smith. I guess the Raiders taking their defensive coordinator was enough for them. So now that brings us to Greg Manusky who spent the last season as the San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator. Manusky was hired as defensive coordinator when Ron Rivera left San Diego to become the Panthers head coach. Under Rivera the Chargers had the first ranked defense but fell to 16 last season. Although in Manusky's defense, he has been getting better as a coordinator over his career.

Greg Manusky started out in San Diego as a linebackers coach from 2002-2006 and was then hired as defensive coordinator in 2007 by the San Francisco 49ers and held that position until 2010. During that time the 49ers defense ranked 25, 13, 15, 13 and then of course 16 last season with the Chargers.

Say what you want about Greg Manusky, but the man is a solid choice for defensive coordinator. And he is a much better option and a big upgrade over current coordinator Chuck Bresnahan who took the Raiders defense that ranked 11 in 2010 to 29 in 2011. I for one stuck up for Chuck Bresnahan up until half way through the season when the Raiders defense was getting worse and not better. And the thing I thought was the worst part, this Raider defense had all the same players as they did in 2010 so there was no need for them to struggle like they did. Yes when he lost Nnamdi Asomugha I did expect for us to take a small step backwards but not like we did. The Raiders in 2011 did not beat any team by over 10 points. Their biggest victory was in week 3 when they defeated the Jets 34-24 and that is sad and needs to change.

Dennis Allen Offers Greg Knapp Offensive Coordinator Job

2012-01-30T23:29:00.000-08:00

Looks like Greg Knapp might be coming back to Oakland where he spent the 2007 and 2008 season as the Raiders offensive coordinator under Head Coach's Lane Kiffin and Tom Cable. Dennis Allen was asked today about keeping Al Saunders as offensive coordinator and he responded saying, "Al is still under contract with us, that has not changed." So it looks like Al Saunders will be shown the door.

Greg Knapp, like Saunders, is a long time offensive playcaller in the NFL and has had many successful seasons. Knapp's career got started in San Francisco when he was Jeff Garcia's quarterbacks coach and eventually his offensive coordinator from 2001-2003. From there he went to Atlanta where he worked with Michael Vick and Matt Schaub. Dennis Allen was a defensive assistant on the Falcons staff at that time.

Greg Knapp is currently the Houston Texans quarterbacks coach. He has held that title since 2010. He has been coaching Matt Schaub who was on pace for another 3000+ season before suffering a season ending injury. The Texans then had to ride with unknown rookie T.J. Yates who played very well under Knapp's guidance. Yates passed for nearly 1000 yards and helped the Texans win the AFC South and get their first playoff appearance in franchise history. The Texans went on to beat the Bengals in the AFC Wild Card game but lost in the divisional round to the Baltimore Ravens 20-13.

This in my opinion will be a good hiring for Dennis Allen and the Oakland Raiders. I am not surprised by this. I did not think Al Saunders would be brought back and I thought the Raiders would be looking for someone who runs the west coast style of offense which the Raiders have not run since Rich Gannon was under center. It will be interesting to see how Carson Palmer can perform in this style of offense. We shall see.

In other news, Raiders special teams coordinator John Fassel, son of Jim Fassel, has left the Raiders to join the Rams staff. And tight ends coach Adam Henry has left as well to go to the college ranks.

Flashback: Chargers @ Raiders 2000 Opener

2012-01-28T19:24:00.000-08:00

To Keep Al Saunders or Not To?

2012-01-25T12:39:00.000-08:00

Sources believe Raiders could retain Al Saunders as offensive coordinator.

OK, to start off, I seriously have mixed feelings about this. I deeply respect the long career of Al Saunders, the man does have a great offensive mind. Keeping Al Saunders on as offensive coordinator would be the "safe" thing to do. I mean the man is the only on remaining on staff with one year left on his contract and he did work with Carson Palmer who is most likely going to be the Raiders starting quarterback in 2012. But Al Saunders did not run the Raiders offense last season, he was titled as the offensive coordinator but he played the role as a offensive consultant. It was Hue Jackson's offense. Before coming to Oakland, Al Saunders actually played the same role with Ravens when Hue Jackson was Joe Flacco's QB coach. Actually, Al Saunders did not run an NFL offense since back in 2007 when he was a Washington Redskins assistant. There he had a couple successful seasons with head coach Joe Gibbs but nothing to get excited about. Some of his beat years came with the Kansas City Chiefs as their offensive coordinator from 2001-2005. Point being, Saunders has ran an NFL offense in five plus years and think the Raiders would be better off going in a different direction.

So, that being said where do the Raiders go in finding an offensive coordinator? My guess is that Dennis Allen would look to the New Orleans staff and find someone he will be comfortable working with. For example the Saints current offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. is someone I would love for the Raiders to have. Carmichael interviewed for the Raiders head coaching job before Dennis Allen was hired. But the Saints have other people on their staff that will make great coordinators. For example I am hearing that Dennis Allen is looking to bring in Saints current running game coordinator Aaron Kromer who was the Raiders offensive line coach from 2001-2004. I would really like to see him come back. There is also New Orleans quarterbacks coach Joe Lombardi, the grandson of Packers hall of fame coach Vince Lombardi. He has been a New Orleans Saints assistant since 2007 and coaching Drew Brees since 2009. Lombardi would be good to bring in as a quarterbacks coach considering the Raiders did not have one last season.

An outside candidate to keep your eyes on would be Marc Trestman, former Raiders offensive coordinator from 2002-2003. He was the current front runner for the Indianapolis Colts head coaching job along with Jim Tressel but Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator and former Raiders defensive backs coach Chuck Pagano has just been hired as head coach. So, there is a small chance the Raiders could take a look at him. He runs the west coast offense which is what Reggie McKenzie loves. I always like Marc Trestman and did not want to see him go after the 2003 season. I thought the Raiders would of been better off if they promoted him instead of Bill Callahan to head coach back in 2002. Trestman has been interviewed a couple times to be the Raiders head coach the past couple seasons so keep your eyes on him.

In other coaching news, it looks like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are closing in on former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike Sherman. Sherman I always thought was a good coach in Green Bay and had only one bad season in 2005 when the Packers went 4-12. His overall record as a head coach is 59-43. The Buccaneers are lucky to get him. Although I still would of liked to see Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer finally get a head coaching gig. He deserves it.

The next couple weeks should be very interesting indeed as the Raiders coaching staff should begin to take shape. Stay tuned.

Dennis Allen To Become The Next Raiders Head Coach

2012-01-24T11:35:00.000-08:00

Dennis Allen becomes the Raiders 19th head coach in franchise history.

You heard it here first, Reggie McKenzie has found "his guy" and it was not in Green Bay but rather in Denver. And the Broncos will be looking for their seventh defensive coordinator in seven years. Rumor has it that Denver will go the way of Jack Del Rio. But the Raiders made a great move here in my opinion. They are first of hiring a defensive minded head coach for the first time since 1969 when they promoted linebackers coach John Madden to head coach, and we all know how well that worked out. I really believe the Raiders hired the perfect man for the job this time. Dennis Allen is a young and upcoming talented defensive minded coach who has a history coaching the defensive backfield which is the area the Raiders struggled the most in 2011.

So know that the Raiders have their man, who will he bring in to the run offense. Dennis Allen is going to run the defense so we do not need Chuck Bresnahan as defensive coordinator anymore, thank god. I would love to see Pete Carmichael come to Oakland and run the offense. Dennis Allen and Pete Carmichael worked together in New Orleans. And Carmichael would have more offensive power here in Oakland than he does in New Orleans with Sean Payton running the show.

I really hope the Raiders do not keep Al Saunders as offensive coordinator. The man has not run an NFL offense in the longest time and the Raiders need a young fresh talent.

As far as the Raiders switching to a 3-4, that is now not going to happen. Dennis Allen is a 4-3 man and is going to keep his defensive scheme. That is most likely a good idea, the Raiders do not have the players or the draft picks to switch to a 3-4. Plus remember when the Raiders tried to switch to a 3-4 in 2004 and how bad it was they switched back to the 4-3 mid way through the season? The Raiders defense is not bad talent wise. They just need the right coaching and now they have it.

My only concern with Dennis Allen is, is the man ready? We will find out. He did do a good job running the Broncos defense. In 2010 the Broncos defense was ranked 32nd overall under defensive coordinator Don Martindale who spent many seasons as Raiders linebackers coach. And then they went from last to 11th in 2011 under Allen. And I do not care what anybody says, Tim Tebow did not win those games for Denver, their defense did but sadly they did not get the credit. And now the Broncos will be hiring their seventh defensive coordinator in seven seasons. So I got to tip my hat off to Reggie McKenzie for stealing Dennis Allen away from Denver. Now, it is time to win a Superbowl. The Raider nation has been patient enough.

A New Frontrunner

2012-01-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

Dennis Allen has been scheduled for a second interview.

The Raiders and general manager Reggie McKenzie have scheduled their second interview with Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen who is one of the young bright defensive minds in the NFL. This comes after McKenzie interviewed Packers linebackers coach Winston Moss who many believed was the favorite to get the job. But most reports say that the interview with Moss did not go well at all and Winston Moss was unimpressive at best. I am actually fine with this because the thought of Winston Moss being the head coach of the Oakland Raiders does not excite me at all. But does Dennis Allen? Maybe. He did a great job with the Denver Broncos defense in 2011 and god knows the Raiders defense needs all the help it can get. They surely could use a talented defensive mind like Dennis Allen, and the fact that he would be leaving Denver makes it all the better. But is he ready to be a head coach in the NFL? That is where I question this. But look at the other candidates. You have Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg who I am hearing is another frontrunner for the job but he is not head coaching material. He went 5-27 with the Detroit Lions in 2001-2002. And then you got Dom Capers who went 49-81 in Carolina and Houston. Capers would be a disaster as a head coach. He has so many playmakers on defense in Green Bay and their defense is still among the leagues worst. I would rather see the Raiders take a chance on someone new then to hire some old coach you did nothing but prove that he is already a failure as a head coach in the NFL.

If I had a say in any of this, the best man of the job out of McKenzie's short list would be Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. He as been around on of the the NFL best offensives for the past several seasons and he called the plays and ran the offense down the stretch of the 2011 season and they did not miss a beat. The Raiders would be stupid to let this man go. He is going to be a good head coach. Not hiring him is a dumb as not hiring Jon Gruden which is not going to happen.

But back to Dennis Allen. I the more I read about this man, the more I begin to like him. What I really like about is that his specialty is in the defensive backfield which is no question the Raiders weakest position. He also comes from the New Orleans coaching staff so if the Raiders were to name Dennis Allen head coach, he could maybe bring in Pete Carmichael in as offensive coordinator which would be a great move for the Raiders.

Dennis Allen Resume:

1996: Buffalo Bills- Defensive Back

1996-1999: Texas A&M- Assistant Coach

2000-2001: Tulsa- Secondary Coach

2002-2005: Atlanta Falcons- Defensive Assistant

2006-2007: New Orleans Saints- Assistant Defensive Line Coach

2008-2010: New Orleans Saints- Secondary Coach

2011-Present: Denver Broncos- Defensive Coordinator

General Manager said he most likely will name a head coach by this Saturday so lets see how his week plays out. Mike Tice's interview was scheduled to be tomorrow but the Raiders canceled it to schedule Dennis Allen second interview. Mike Tice will remain in Chicago as the Bears offensive coordinator. It is clear to me that the Raiders want this thing wraped up this week. I just hope they don't give Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg a second look. He is not going to be a good head coach and neither will Dom Capers who is 49-81 as a head coach in the NFL. I think the Raiders should either go with Dennis Allen, Pete Carmichael Jr, or Jon Gruden. But we all know Gruden is not coming back so Allen and Carmichael will be fine with me.

Let the Gutting Begin

2012-01-16T04:57:00.000-08:00

Reggie McKenzie is now free to interview Green Bay assistants with the Packers recent loss to the Giants.

Hue Jackson told us that new Raiders general manager plans to gut this team. What he means by that remains to be seen. Officially the only coach who is off the staff besides Hue is wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal who is off to join the Jets staff to assume the same position. Word on the street is that Cliff Branch is going to be the Raiders next receivers coach. Besides recent reports that defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan has been let go, he has not. But I believe he will be. The Raiders are going to a 3-4 defense and Chuck cannot even coach a 4-3 which is what he knows.

But now people like Winston Moss, Darren Perry, Joe Philbin, and Dom Capers will all get interviews to be the Raiders next head coach. Dom Capers let me say would be one huge mistake. The man is 49-81 as a head coach in the NFL. And his defense with the Packers is terrible. Is it better then the Raiders, of course but he is not head coaching material. He proved that in Carolina and in Houston. I love love it if all four coaches were to end up in Oakland. Maybe Winston Moss as head coach, Darren Perry as defensive backs and assistant head coach, Joe Philbin as offensive coordinator, and Dom Capers as defensive coordinator. That would be a great scenario but unlikely. I am also hearing that Packers tight ends coach Ben McAdoo is a candidate for offensive coordinator. I do not believe Al Saunders will in back. Reggie McKenzie will be taking the Raiders offense back to the west coast style of offense so keep your eye on Marc Trestman who was a head coaching candidate for the Raiders over the past several seasons. He can be the man if these Green Bay assistants fall through.

The Raiders last Friday interviewed Todd Bowles to be their head coach but like I said before this is nothing but to just satisfy the stupid Rooney Rule. The Raiders did tell Bowles that he is a serious candidate for the job but of course they are going to tell him that. The Dolphins players are also trying to convenience their owner that Bowles is the man for the job but I think the Dolphins are going to hire Mike Zimmer and it is about time Zimmer got a chance to be a head coach. His defenses are top 10 every season. He will be a good head coach.

Anyways, back to the Raiders. It looks like for the first time the Raiders will be hiring a defensive minded head coach since 1969 when John Madden was promoted from linebackers coach to head coach. It looks like the only chance the Raiders hire an offensive minded head coach is if Joe Philbin is hired which seems unlikely to me because I really believe Winston Moss is McKenzie's guy. Or maybe he goes for Jon Gruden who does run the west coast offense and was the last successful head coach in Oakland. Anything is possible. The next couple weeks are going to be interesting that is for sure so please stay tuned.

Raiders Schedule Their First Interview

2012-01-11T20:23:00.000-08:00

Raiders to interview Todd Bowles

It looks like the Raiders and new general manager Reggie McKenzie was not lying when he said the search for a new head coach will begin right away. Todd Bowles who is a NFL safety with the Washington Redskins and the San Francisco 49ers and was a defensive backs coach with the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins. Bowles was promoted to interim head coach of the Miami Dolphins last season when the Dolphins decided to waste no time in firing Tony Sparano. Todd Bowles did a solid job in Miami leading the Dolphins to a 2-1 record to close out the season and now he is getting head coaching opportunities.

But in my opinion, all I think this is is the the Raiders getting the Rooney Rule out the way as quickly as possible. This is why I think the Rooney Rule is a terrible rule. All it does is add to the idea of racism even more. And minority candidates are not taken seriously when they are interviewed. They are just interviewed to get this stupid rule out of the way so they can eventually hire who they please.

But this also makes me believe that maybe Green Bay assistants Winston Moss and Darren Perry are not on Reggie McKenzie first two candidates because both would satisfy the Rooney rule. If I had any say in all of this, I would love for the Raiders to go back to the last coach who had success in Oakland, that's right Jon Gruden. It makes sense because Reggie McKenzie is a west coast guy and we all know that is Gruden's area of excellence. Bringing back Jon Gruden as head coach and Winston Moss or Darren Perry as defensive coordinator and moving to a 3-4 would be a beautiful scenario, but I doubt any would happen. We shall see what happens.

Goodbye Hue... Winston Moss Up Next?

2012-01-10T17:49:00.000-08:00

Well, we all knew this could happen, many were reporting that Hue Jackson already talked with Reggie McKenzie and they both agreed Hue will be the head coach in 2012. The same source said Chuck Bresnahan was fired but rumor has it he is still working like normal at Raider headquarters.

Many Raider fans I have talked to said they were shocked and I really do not understand why. Put it this say, if you just bought a brand new business and the old employees were still in place but you have other friends you know can do the job and you have worked with, what would you do? You fire the old employees and bring in your friends who you have been working with. Any normal person would do the same thing. Don't get me wrong I was a Hue Jackson fan and I thought he was our best coach since Jon Gruden but I was not a fan of his "Bill Callahan" style rant after the season ended when he basically blamed the team for them not making the playoffs. That there sealed his fate in 2012.

Now the question is like we have asked so many times over the past decade, who will be the next head coach of the Oakland Raiders? The main guess would be Winston Moss who is the current Linebackers coach of the Green Bay Packers and who has interviewed with the Raiders a couple times in the past. Another name to keep your eye on is Darren Perry, Green Bays defensive backs coach, who served the position in Oakland in 2007-2008. Some sources say that Moss could come in as head coach and Perry as defensive coordinator but I do not see that. Mainly because neither has any experience in calling plays. I think both will be interviewed for the head coaching job but someone else will be brought in to coordinate the defense. The future of offensive staff is going to be interesting to watch. Al Saunders is the current offensive coordinator but I do not see him staying here. I would love to see Packers quarterbacks coach Tom Clements come in here or maybe even Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, who just lost his son, thoughts and prayers go to his family.

So now the future of Carson Palmer is in doubt. I would really like to see him here again because I have always been a Carson Palmer fan and I still am. But if the Raiders and Reggie McKenzie and pull major strings and land Matt Flynn, that would be amazing. Because Carson Palmer is 32 years old and it looks like he is not fixing his interception problem.

So the Raiders and new GM Reggie McKenzie have a lot of work to do, god speed! The Raider Nation is behind you.

New Face Leading The Silver and Black

2012-01-07T08:56:00.000-08:00

Reggie McKenzie hired as Raiders New GM.

The man who put together the Superbowl winning Green Bay Packers franchise is now on his way to Oakland. This indeed is a great move for the Raiders franchise. Reggie McKenzie is only 48 years old and is a former Raider himself so this move makes sense. McKenzie cannot sign a contract or come out and work in Oakland until the Packers lose their first playoff game. So when that happens, expect him to bring Packers linebacker coach Winston Moss, who the Raiders have interviewed several times to be their head coach, and defensive backs coach Darren Perry who coached the Raiders defensive backs back in 2007-2008 with him. Rumor has it that the Raiders plan to move from a 4-3 to a 3-4 and that is the type of defense Winston Moss's coaches. I predict Moss will become our next defensive coordinator which means Mike Waufle will soon be fired. If the Raiders decide to stay with a 4-3, and maybe bring in a Steve Spagnuolo or Jack Del Rio as defensive coordinator then Moss will be the linebackers coach. Remember the Raiders fired linebacker coach Greg Biekert and both defensive back coaches Rod Woodson and Kevin Ross. Whichever happens is a big upgrade over last season and I welcome with open arms.

Now that leaves the question of Hue Jackson. Hue will be back in 2012 and he deserves to be. But he pretty much made it clear that he wants more power. I can see Jackson and the new general manager not getting along. Could Reggie McKenzie fire Hue Jackson right off the bat? When a new GM comes in they most likely like to put their stamp on the team and hire their own people. Could he hire a Winston Moss as a head coach or maybe Joe Philbin the Packers offensive coordinator. Tom Clements, the Packers quarterbacks coach has been interviewed for some head coaching jobs as well. But in my opinion, I think Hue is no question going to be given another year with Carson Palmer to prove he is the guy.

All in all, this is great hire for the Raiders. New and better days are ahead. For the first time since the early 60's, someone other than Al Davis will be running the show in Oakland. But we have a proven Raider in office and we are ready to roll. The Raiders are back.

Raiders Only Update

2012-01-06T02:36:00.000-08:00

Chuck Bresnahan is fired by the Raiders for the second time.

Sorry I have not posted in a long time. But dealing with a family death is not easy and that is where my priorities have been. So I will give you some updates and what I think of them.

The Raiders have indeed fired defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan. The Raiders defense ended the 2011 season ranked number 29th overall. They were number 11th overall in 2010 under John Marshall who I thought did a good job. But I will admit, when Chuck was re-hired I was on board. I was a Chuck Bresnahan fan in the early 2000's but when you give up 433 points, the most in franchise history, changes must be made.

The Raiders have also fired safeties coach Kevin Ross, linebackers coach Greg Biekert, and cornerbacks coach Rod Woodson. I would of liked to seen Rod Woodson continue his coaching career with the silver and black a little longer but the Raiders young corners did not develop at all throughout the season. The only successful corner was Stanford Routt who did not give up one 100 yard receiver all year. He did how ever give up way to many penalties which he always tends to do.

Now the question is, who will be the Raiders next defensive coordinator? I am hearing the name Jack Del Rio a lot but I am not buying to much into that. I would like to see Steve Spagnuolo, who was just fired by the Rams, come to Oakland and coach our defense. He was the defensive coordinator of the New York Giants team that knocked off the undefeated Patriots in the Superbowl in 2008. He would also be reuniting with Mike Waufle who was the defensive line coach with the Giants.

Lions @ Raiders Week 14 Preview

2011-12-18T09:19:00.000-08:00

Raiders are coming off two road blowouts.

So much for controlling our own destiny. The Raiders are being Tebowed. But the Broncos are playing the Patriots today so if all goes the way it is supposed to, Tim Tebow should be sent back to earth. But I will say, if the Broncos and Tim Tebow beat the Patriots today, I will start going back to church every Sunday because clearly god wants this kid to succeed. And I do too. I mean I like him a lot but just not as a Bronco.

Now on to the Lions. The Raiders are coming off two awful road games and losing by a combines score of 80-30. This is the perfect time for the Raiders to be coming home against a Lions team who just hung on to a win against the Vikings last week. But the Raiders defense is going to have there hands full against the Lions offense. Matthew Stafford is one of my favorite younger quarterbacks in the NFL and the kid has someone like Calvin Johnson to throw to, it doesn't get any better. Stanford Routt will have his work cut out for him. Chris Johnson has been placed on IR and is done for the season. I am assuming that is because of the death of his younger sister. That is a very sad story. My prayers go out to him and his family. Lito Sheppard will be taking his place.

Darren McFadden will yet again be out and not be able to go. I really believe his season is over sadly. But Michael Bush is a good running back to have although he has not gotten it going in the past couple weeks. But I will make a prediction here, Michael Bush will have over 120 yards and two touchdowns today.

That brings us to Carson Palmer. I am still a fan. Palmer is a good quarterback and is by far better then Jason Campbell can hope to be. But last week was very ugly. Palmer is reminding me of Brett Favre. You get the good one week, sometimes even great but the next week you will also get some ugly. Throwing four picks in one game is inexcusable but I am willing to let last week slide because well, it was Green Bay and the game did get ugly pretty fast. So he better redeem himself today. Good news for Carson Palmer is that rookie wide out Denarius Moore will start and is ready to go.

Good news for the Raiders, NFL Network's douchebag Warren Sapp picked the Raiders to lose this game so the odds are that the Raiders will win this game. And rumor has it that this game is indeed yet another sellout making it the seventh in a row for the Raiders this season! Great job Raider Nation!

~Raiders Week 14 Starting Lineup~
OFFENSE
QB: Carson Palmer
RB: Michael Bush
FB: Marcel Reece
WR: Darrius Heyward-Bey
WR: Denarius Moore (R)
TE: Kevin Boss
LT: Jared Veldheer
LG: Stefen Wisniewski (R)
C: Samson Satele
RG: Cooper Carlisle
RT: Khalif Barnes
DEFENSE
DE: Desmond Bryant
DT: Tommy Kelly
DT: Richard Seymour
DE: Lamarr Houston
OLB: Kamerion Wimbley
MLB: Rolando McClain
OLB: Aaron Curry
CB: Lito Sheppard
CB: Stanford Routt
FS: Michael Huff
SS: Tyvon Branch

Raiders Lose First Place Lead in 34-14 Loss In Miami

2011-12-06T15:38:00.001-08:00

TJ caught a 40 yard TD pass.

Why do the Raiders always play awful in the eastern time zone and against the Miami Dolphins. This game was just one bad combination. It looks like the Raiders came in expecting to lose this one and just waiting to prepare for next week. This game was pathetic and just overall embarrassing to watch as a Raider fan because there was no way we should of lost to the then 3-8 Dolphins. But now it looks like now the Denver Broncos lead by Tim Tebow or Jesus Christ himself are now in first place. Makes ya sick doesn't it? The Raiders are now 7-5 and have to get ready to travel to Green Bay to face the 12-0 Packers. I think it is safe to say we will be 7-6 when next Sunday is done, maybe even 7-7 with the Lions coming up after the Green Bay game. Hue Jackson's Raiders really need to get their shit together if they think they are going to win the AFC West because Tim Tebow and the Broncos are not a joke. They win, period. And it does not matter how you win because at the end of the day, they are the team that is in first place and we are not.

Raiders @ Dolphins Week 13 Preview

2011-12-03T22:19:00.001-08:00

Jacoby Ford scored two touchdowns last year against the Dolphins.

This game makes me laugh. Why? Well, the Raiders are 7-4 and the Dolphins are 3-8 and of course the Raiders are the favorite yet again, the favorite to lose. The media is saying, "The Raiders are in deep trouble of a meltdown this week." I remember when they said that when we went to San Diego and Minnesota and when we played against the Bears. Oh the media makes me laugh.

But the Raiders do seem to be more hurt coming into this game then last week. It does not look like Denarius Moore will be coming back yet and of course there will be no Jacoby Ford. And as far as Rolando McClain goes I seriously hope he does not play. He does not deserve to, period. Darryl Blackstock will do just fine for this week. It all depends what head coach Hue Jackson decides to do.

With the Raiders injured receiving core, we have had the pleasure to see other players stepping up. For example Marcel Reece is becoming a playmaker as a receiver and a runner. This kid is redefining the fullback position.

The Raider defense needs to keep their eyes on Matt Moore. Moore is going to be the next Tony Romo. You heard it here first! I have always been a Matt Moore fan. The kid can flat out play quarterback.

The Raiders offense leads the NFL in big plays, and their defense leads the NFL in giving up big plays, so this should be a big game for Carson Palmer. Palmer is starting to come into his own. It is weird having a real quarterback wearing silver and black isn't it? But it is awesome at the same time.

So with the Raiders at 7-4 and the Broncos led by the virgin at quarterback and San Diego in serious decline, I really think if the Raiders win this game they can lock the AFC West. Yes Denver is one game behind but let's face it, they are not going to win the division. The chances are better for San Diego to come back.

~Raiders Week 13 Starting Lineup~
OFFENSE
QB: Carson Palmer
RB: Michael Bush
FB: Marcel Reece
WR: Darrius Heyward-Bey
WR: Chaz Schilens
TE: Kevin Boss
LT: Jared Veldheer
LG: Stefen Wisniewski
C: Samson Satele
RG: Cooper Carlisle
RT: Khalif Barnes
DEFENSE
DE: Desmond Bryant
DT: Tommy Kelly
DT: Richard Seymour
DE: Lamarr Houston
OLB: Kamerion Wimbley
MLB: Darryl Blackstock
OLB: Aaron Curry
CB: Lito Sheppard
CB: Stanford Routt
FS: Michael Huff
SS: Tyvon Branch

Rolando McClain Arrested

2011-12-01T20:18:00.001-08:00

McClain was arrested in Alabama on Thursday.

Well take a good look at this picture above. This is our starting middle linebacker. I guess McClain did not get the memo Al Davis gave him to wear the Silver and Black with pride and poise. This young punk should be ashamed of himself. I hope he does not play Sunday in Miami. He does not deserve to be a Raider anymore. I am sorry but I hold these players who make way more than they should to a much higher standard. They get one chance in my eyes. I never forgave the douchebag that is Michael Vick and McClain is no different. Just look at the picture above. He could care less that he is going to jail. I say cut this cancer from our team. We do not need that. I do not even want to go into the details of what McClain did because it seriously pisses me off to no avail! I am sure you all already know anyways so I will end it here. Click here for more on the story.

R.I.P. Chester McGlockton 1969-2011

2011-12-01T01:43:00.001-08:00

Janikowski You Are Ridiculous! Raiders Beat Bears 25-20

2011-11-27T19:59:00.001-08:00

Kicker Janikowski nailed 6 field goals.

The Raiders officially have won three in a row with a 25-20 win in Oakland against the Chicago Bears. The Raiders are now 7-4 and remain at the top of the AFC West. The Broncos are still one game out after beating the Chargers in overtime today. But that was fine with me because the Tim Tebow mania cannot last. It is fun for now but it will not last forever, just ask John Elway who I'm sure is already looking for his replacement.

So let me ask, who has Sebastian Janikowski on their fantasy team? If so you made it big today. Seabass set a franchise record for field goals made in a game with 6. His sixth field goal gave the Raiders a 18-7 lead in the fourth quarter. Michael Bush finally got the Raiders into the endzone and ran the Raiders to their best record in a decade.

But as impressive as this game was, it of course was not pretty. It really reminded me of when the Bill Callahan led Raiders played the Bears in 2003. Janikowski hit 5 field goals and Zack Crockett had a touchdown run that gave the Raiders a 18-6 lead in the fourth quarter. But the Bears scored 18 unanswered points and won the game 24-21 which dropped the Raiders record to 2-3. The then defending AFC Champions ended the Season 4-12. Who was our defensive coordinator back then? You guessed it, Chuck Bresnahan. And what seems to be our problem today? Giving the the lead in the fourth quarter. Now don't get me wrong because I love Chuck Bresnahan and I really want him to succeed but he always has the same problem and always has since 2000 when he was named the Raiders defensive coordinator. He always gives up unnecessary points in the fourth quarter when the Raiders are defending a lead. Look what happened today, the Raiders were up 25-13 and Caleb Haine hit Johnny on a 81 yard bomb which lead to a Bears touchdown. I guess the Raiders will always make every game interesting and we just have to get use to that.

But fourth quarter aside, the Raiders defense played a great game against Caleb Haine. They sacked him four times and picked him off three more times. They mostly did a solid job against Matt Forte only holding him to 59 yards on the ground. His only good run was on a 33 yard burst. The Former Cowboy Marion Barber had a good game rushing for 63 yards on only 10 rushes. And of course the Raiders gave up 50 yards to Caleb Haine.

Now that brings it to our quarterback. Carson Palmer is no question the best quarterback the Raiders have had since Rich Gannon. I will admit when he was traded for and put on that number 3, I was very scared because I had image of Jeff George in my head. But Palmer has been anything but. Yes he got off to a rough start but that was expected. He has been playing far better then anybody thought he would. Today he threw for over 300 yards and was 21 of 37 with a picked on a deflected pass. That was very impressive against this Bears defense with the Raiders injured receiving core.

I was also very surprised and so happy to see my man Darrius Heyward-Bey back in action. He had 4 catches for 42 yards. That is amazing for someone who looked like he could of been out of football forever considering he got hit in the neck last week and could not move. We love you Darrius and keep working hard and improving!

Before I end this I need to make a shout out to Shane Lechler, the greatest Punter of all time! He broke another Raider record today with a 80 yard punt. I think it is safe to say the Raiders have the best kicking duo in the NFL if not NFL history. But still Janikowski has not yet made the pro bowl. This better be the season!

So next week the Raiders will travel to Miami to take on the 3-8 Dolphins who I believe are a fake football team. By that I mean they are not what their record says. And I really like Matt Moore as a QB. Not many people know this but Matt Moore and Tony Romo were in Dallas together and it was a 50-50 shot on whether who would make the team because Bill Parcells like them both so much. Matt Moore is going to be a successful QB in this league and you heard it here first. The Raiders defense better be prepared.

Bears @ Raiders Week 12 Preview

2011-11-26T19:39:00.001-08:00

Raiders defense needs to shut down Forte at all costs.

Before I start this Bears Raiders preview I just want to pause and ask everybody, isn't this awesome? It is almost the end of November and I have gotten use to the Raiders season being over at this point and time but we are back to playing meaningful football and I could not be happier, and oh yea we finally have a real quarterback! I just wish the great man Al Davis was around to see his Raiders finally return to the post season. Al the more reason for the Raiders to go out and hunt on some bear!

No question the story coming into this game is the injury to Bear quarterback Jay Cutler who will be gone for the rest of the 2011 season with a broken thumb. Enter Caleb Hanie who I believe will eventually be the Bears, or any other teams, starting quarterback someday in this league. I say a lot of good things from this kid last year in the NFC Championship game. He came off the bench and brought the Bears back into the game and almost won it. So the Raiders better be ready because this guy is going to make some plays.

The Raiders actually have more of a problem in the injury department especially when it comes to their wide receiving core. Rookie standout Denarius Moore, Jacoby Ford, and Darrius Heyward-Bey will all be out this Sunday due to injury. That means the Raiders have to go with Louis Murphy, Chaz Schilens, and TJ Houshmandzadeh who is a little banged up as well. Look for Michael Bush and Marcel Reece to have a busy day in the passing game. So this game is going to be a challenge for the Raider offense that is for sure. But we can do this I am confident. We need to win this game because the Chargers are most likely going to win tomorrow against the Broncos and if we lose than they are only one game out of first place.

But if the Raiders have any shot at winning this game they need to bring down one play and we all know that is Matt Forte. The Raiders, after giving up 299 rushing yards to the Broncos have only surrendered 132 yards on 38 attempts. That is only 3.4 yards per carry. This is also one reason I do not like the heat Chuck Bresnahan has been taking. He is doing the best job he can with the players he was given. I say shut the hell up and let these players develop. They are going to have off games but overall they have been playing damn good football and the Raiders are in first place and that is what it all comes down to.

Before I end this I want to give a shout out to all the Raider fans. The O.co coliseum will yet again be sold out for the sixth straight game for the first time since 2008. And they say there is another recession coming. Well that they be but the Raider fans are very excited about this team and they should be as our Raiders have a chance to go to 7-4.

~Raiders Week 12 Starting Lineup~
OFFENSE
QB: Carson Palmer
RB: Michael Bush
FB: Marcel Reece
WR: Louis Murphy
WR: Chaz Schilens
TE: Kevin Boss
LT: Jared Veldheer
LG: Stefen Wisniewski (R)
C: Samson Satele
RG: Cooper Carlisle
RT: Khalif Barnes
DEFENSE
DE: Desmond Bryant
DT: Tommy Kelly
DT: Richard Seymour
DE: Lamarr Houston
OLB: Kamerion Wimbley
MLB: Rolando McClain
OLB: Aaron Curry
CB: Lito Sheppard
CB: Stanford Routt
FS: Michael Bush
SS: Tyvon Branch

Chaz Schilens Speaks the Truth About Warren Sapp

2011-11-22T19:05:00.001-08:00

“Warren Sapp is a fool,” Schilens said, apparently bothered by Sapp’s disrespect of the Raiders. “That dude is stupid. He played for the Raiders 20 years ago, no one cares what he says, nobody likes him, he’s a joke … Everyone on this team thinks he’s a joke. So, he can make his predictions next week, and we’ll watch ‘em and we’ll go out and win. … That’s about it.”

Finally somebody said it. I have been calling Warren Sapp a joke for years now. He makes predictions on NFL network and is NEVER right. EVER! Just this week he of course picked the Raiders to lose to the now 2-8 Minnesota Vikings and he said Jared Allen was going to rip apart Jared Veldheer. Wrong, wrong, wrong! Veldheer made Jared Allen look like the second year player.

Sapp responded via twitter saying, "Ok Just Woke Up From My Tuesday Slumber. Who's Chaz Schilens ?? Oh Wasn't He Just On DWTS? Did He Win??" Seriously Warren? Your going to use dancing with the stars? Yes we know you were on there as well and likewise, nobody cares.

But I am tired of this man thinking just because he was on the Raiders and played for them for a couple of seasons that it means he knows how their organization works and when they will lose and how they will lose. He makes me sick and I hate listening to him talk. He sounds like he is battling his lips most of the time and then he just laughs out of nowhere for no reason at all. Time for NFL Network and Showtime to fire this fat tub of lard! Goodbye, Next!

Palmer Leads Raiders to 27-21 Victory in Minnesota

2011-11-20T18:05:00.001-08:00

Palmer had one touchdown passing and rushing as the Raiders advance to 6-4.

Well a win is a win and the Raiders did indeed win today. The Raiders are alone in first place of the AFC West. The Raiders are now on their way back home to Oakland to get great for the 7-3 Chicago Bears who just lost their starting quarterback Jay Cutler for the rest of the season with a broken thumb on his throwing hand. The Bears are coming off a 31-20 win over the San Diego Chargers who now fall to 4-6.

I wonder where Carson Palmers haters are now! Palmer had two great games in a row. In Minnesota Palmer was 17 of 23 for 164 yards with 1 touchdown pass to Chaz Schilens, and no picks and a touchdown on the ground. Palmer already has thrown for as many touchdowns as Jason Campbell has this season. I think it is safe to say the Raiders have found a real quarterback. Don't get me wrong, I liked Jason and I still do. But he was never going to win us a Superbowl and that's the truth.

Michael Bush has another solid game on the ground rushing for 109 yards and receiving for 20 more. He also ran for a touchdown.

The main concern for me coming out of this game was Darrius Heyward-Bey. Darrius had a good game up until the injury. He caught 4 balls for 43 yards. He took a bad hit to the back of the head and was taken out of the game. But he left Minnesota with the team and word is he will be just fine. No timetable has been set for his return though.

My problem with this game was the penalties. The Raiders committed 12 in this one and many of them were terrible personal foul calls that the NFL needs to do without because it is simply ruining the game. Hue Jackson had this to say after the game:

I understand that I am a rookie coach and maybe I don’t get all the calls, but there is no way some of the things that happened should happen. Sometimes, I would get talked to as if they didn’t know what I was asking. I just don’t think it was fair. I asked several times for explanations and wouldn’t get them. We can’t get the ref over here when there is a break in the action, but he is over there on the other bench having conversations with them. I have a hard time with that.

Expect Hue Jackson to hear from Roger Goddell, who is the worst commissioner the NFL has ever experienced. Anybody who speaks their mind or talks badly about the officiating can expect a nice fine from king Goddell. I better watch out! Roger 'Hitler' Goddell plans to wipeout anybody who speaks the truth. I do not like what the NFL is turning into... it is not good that is for sure.

Raiders @ Vikings Week 11 Preview

2011-11-19T11:29:00.001-08:00

Raiders have not traveled to Minnesota since 2007.

The last time the Oakland Raiders went to Minnesota to take on the Vikings was back in 2007. And I think it is fair to say a lot has changed since then. The Raiders were led by Dante Culpepper and Lane Kiffin in 2007. Now we have Carson Palmer and Hue Jackson. I think we have come a long way. The Raiders were a 2-7 team when they eventually lost to the Vikings, 29-22. Culpepper threw for 344 yards and Justin Fargas had 60 yards on the ground.

But like I said that was the past and now let's look at the present and of course the future. The Raiders are 5-4 and with a win over the woeful 2-7 Vikings, they can solidify their lead in the AFC West. The Denver Broncos are now just a half game out of first place after beating the New York Jets on Thursday Night advancing to 5-5 so the Raiders better be prepared. The Vikings are not a team that shows what their record is. All they need is to get Jarred Allen fired up and get Adrian Peterson going and they could easily be 7-2. The Vikings have been playing much better football since they started rookie quarterback Christian Ponder over the much overrated veteran Donovan McNabb. So the Raiders clearly have their work cut out for them.

Darren McFadden will not be starting yet again and will be riding the bench with a foot injury. But Michael Bush is a great running back to have to come in and I think he will be a starter eventually in the NFL and deserving so.

The Raiders were 5-4 at this point last season and then fell to 5-5 after they traveled to Pittsburgh and were just embarrassed 35-3. I do not see that happening but the Raiders need to be on their toes. This team can be really good, even great but they need to bring the intelligence along with the talent.

~Raiders Week 11 Starting Lineup~
OFFENSE
QB: Carson Palmer
RB: Michael Bush
FB: Marcel Reece
WR: Darrius Heyward-Bey
WR: Denarius Moore (R)
TE: Kevin Boss
LT: Jared Veldheer
LG: Stefen Wisniewski (R)
C: Samson Satele
RG: Cooper Carlisle
RT: Khalif Barnes
DEFENSE
DE: Jarvis Moss
DT: Tommy Kelly
DT: John Henderson
DE: Lamarr Houston
OLB: Kamerion Wimbley
MLB: Rolando McClain
OLB: Aaron Curry
CB: Lito Sheppard
CB: Stanford Routt
FS: Michael Huff
SS: Tyvon Branch

Raiders Sign Corner Bryan McCann

2011-11-17T12:41:00.001-08:00