The Raiders finished off the 2010 season on a high note demolishing the Kansas City Chief 31-10 in cold Arrow Head Stadium. The Raiders will miss the playoffs this year, but they have much to look forward to using this last game as a springboard into the 2011 season. Kansas City will be in the playoffs as the AFC West champs, but today the Raiders looked like the playoff bound team. The Raiders ran the ball, moved the sticks when they had to, and put 24 offensive points on the board. On defense they stopped the run, harassed QB Matt Casell all day, and they collected two interceptions, one that they took back for a touchdown.
To take advantage of their first non-losing season since 2002, and to propel them into next year's playoffs, the Raiders must reward their coach Tom Cable with a new contract. Any coach will tell you the toughest thing to do is to turn around a losing team into a bunch of winners. Tom Cable has done that in Oakland. Tom Cable is a coach, a teacher, a motivator, and a father figure for these young Raider players. The job Tom Cable has done in instilling a winning attitude in his players cannot be underestimated. He has his players playing hard, tough nosed football for 60 minutes each and every game. Even in the games the Raiders didn't play well, they never stopped, and they played hard. This is a huge improvement over the Raiders of the past nine years.
The Raiders are young, big, strong, and fast. It is now up to Al Davis to keep the man that has given the team stability, and has righted the Oakland Raider ship. Tom Cable can turn them into champions.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Monday, December 20, 2010
NFL Thoughts 12/19/2010
With only two games left in this season, I have some thoughts I'd like to share with you on some of the NFL teams, and their personnel, or lack there of.
Buffalo Bills: One can only wonder how good this team would be if they had any kind of an offensive line. I love the tough-nosed determination of RB Fred Jackson, and I am impressed with the arm strength, leadership, and savvy of QB Ryan Fitzpatrick; but this team is not going to turn the corner until they address their offensive line. C Eric Wood is the only player on that line that could start for other NFL teams. The team needs to look hard at TE, T, and Guard next draft.
Oakland Raiders: As a long time Raiders fan I can only express my relief that they will not have double digit losses for the first time since 2002. Tom Cable has done an admirable job of teaching his team what it takes to win in the NFL, and owner Al Davis (contrary to popular opinion) has done a great job of bringing in young, fast players. However the team is still going through growing pains as exhibited by their Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde nature of play; sure they make a lot of big plays, but they also give up a lot of big plays. RB Darrell McFadden has completely turned his game around from his first couple of seasons. Sure, he is healthier, but in the past if the hole wasn't directly in front of him he would run right into the back of his own OL. This year with the exception of the Miami game, D Mac has shown a toughness, determination, and an ability to make cuts that I have never seen before. QB Jason Campbell is playing within himself, making good reads, and decisions. He is also doing a good job with his feet to make important first downs, something he was loathe to do in the past. On defense, Michael Huff is finally showing why he was a first round pick by being in the right place, and making a play when it is needed. DL Tommy Kelly has really stepped his game up this year, and I attribute this to playing along side of Richard Seymore. Rookie LB Rolando Mclain is growing into a real force in the middle; I know I would not want to take a hit from him. For the Raiders to be serious play off contenders I believe they need to bolster their OL at C, and G.
Houston Texans: What happened to these guys? It is time to end the Gary Kubiak experiment and send him back to Denver.
Tennessee Titans: As someone who watched a lot of Kerry Collins when he was a Raider, I can tell you that he is an effective QB when he can stand in the pocket unmolested; however if he has to move even one step to either side to avoid the rush his chances of completing a pass are nil. Fortunately for him Tenn. has a OL that can give him that protection.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Coach Jack Del Rio is getting everything he can possibly squeeze from his talent, but it is not enough. I love TE Mercedes Lewis! Jack, I know you are a Raider fan, please trade him to the Raiders.
Kansas City Chiefs: As much as I hate to admit it, they are playing very good ball on both sides. QB Matt Cassel has been playing lights out, and is the reason for their resurgence on offense.
Buffalo Bills: One can only wonder how good this team would be if they had any kind of an offensive line. I love the tough-nosed determination of RB Fred Jackson, and I am impressed with the arm strength, leadership, and savvy of QB Ryan Fitzpatrick; but this team is not going to turn the corner until they address their offensive line. C Eric Wood is the only player on that line that could start for other NFL teams. The team needs to look hard at TE, T, and Guard next draft.
Oakland Raiders: As a long time Raiders fan I can only express my relief that they will not have double digit losses for the first time since 2002. Tom Cable has done an admirable job of teaching his team what it takes to win in the NFL, and owner Al Davis (contrary to popular opinion) has done a great job of bringing in young, fast players. However the team is still going through growing pains as exhibited by their Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde nature of play; sure they make a lot of big plays, but they also give up a lot of big plays. RB Darrell McFadden has completely turned his game around from his first couple of seasons. Sure, he is healthier, but in the past if the hole wasn't directly in front of him he would run right into the back of his own OL. This year with the exception of the Miami game, D Mac has shown a toughness, determination, and an ability to make cuts that I have never seen before. QB Jason Campbell is playing within himself, making good reads, and decisions. He is also doing a good job with his feet to make important first downs, something he was loathe to do in the past. On defense, Michael Huff is finally showing why he was a first round pick by being in the right place, and making a play when it is needed. DL Tommy Kelly has really stepped his game up this year, and I attribute this to playing along side of Richard Seymore. Rookie LB Rolando Mclain is growing into a real force in the middle; I know I would not want to take a hit from him. For the Raiders to be serious play off contenders I believe they need to bolster their OL at C, and G.
Houston Texans: What happened to these guys? It is time to end the Gary Kubiak experiment and send him back to Denver.
Tennessee Titans: As someone who watched a lot of Kerry Collins when he was a Raider, I can tell you that he is an effective QB when he can stand in the pocket unmolested; however if he has to move even one step to either side to avoid the rush his chances of completing a pass are nil. Fortunately for him Tenn. has a OL that can give him that protection.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Coach Jack Del Rio is getting everything he can possibly squeeze from his talent, but it is not enough. I love TE Mercedes Lewis! Jack, I know you are a Raider fan, please trade him to the Raiders.
Kansas City Chiefs: As much as I hate to admit it, they are playing very good ball on both sides. QB Matt Cassel has been playing lights out, and is the reason for their resurgence on offense.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Getting Antsy
I’m starting to feel better. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and I do think I am getting better. Sad to say I have been in a deep depression the last few months. It has been a long time since the NFL draft last April, and I have found it hard to go on. But I endured, bucked up, and muddled through the dark days because I knew at the end of July; NFL training camps will be opening for the fall season.
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!
Heavens knows I am. I’ve got a new spring in my step, and grin on my face. “Its NFL time” I sing to myself in the car, in the john, and at work.
Excuse me for my giddiness, but it has been a LONG dull three months since the draft. Yeah, sure you have the NBA, the NHL, and baseball to try and tie you over until football, but they are not (ok, sometimes hockey is ...You go Blackhawks!) as hard hitting and exciting as football.
Now that the camps are opening up every one will be talking or writing about the NFL. After not hearing a peep the last month or so, my mouth is watering for some juicy football news.
Sorry this is so short, but I have to put Sports Center on now.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
On the Bright Side of the Road
It’s finally here! I have been waiting for this day for a long time. Is it my anniversary? No. Is it my birthday? No. Is it the anniversary of my first divorce? Close, but no. Tomorrow is the N.F.L. draft. This is like Christmas in April every year for me, and other deranged draft-niks.
Believe it or not I have been preparing for tomorrow since late December. After the NFL Super Bowl ended, I have been concentrating even more on the draft.
Why do I do this? I don’t know. But my wife learned very early in our relationship not to bother me on draft weekend. She has conveniently scheduled herself to work this week end. Good girl!
I can’t help it. You see there has been NO football since the Super bowl, and I need a fix on football so bad it would make Amy Winehouse blush.
I have bought three or four of the top draft publications, and I have been watching “Path to the Draft” on the NFL Network every night (sometimes twice!) to prepare for the draft. This last week I have doubled my draft watching, as I prepare for this draft weekend..
At this point you might be asking yourself “Is he a football personnel guy?” No. “Is he a team General Manager?” No. I simply need to get myself ready to help my team (The Oakland Raiders) put together a good draft. It’s not like they are going to call me and consult me on which player they should take; but I wish they would, because I would have the answer for them. Instead I am just going to sit in front of my TV for three days, drink beer, and wear my Raider’s hat proudly as I watch my team pick the guys who are going to take us to the Super Bowl this year. (Right!) This year I’m walking the path to the draft, and the Raider’s are on the bright side of that road.
I do know that I am a geek, and that most of you folks think I am a few bricks short of a full load. You are right. I just want to tell you that I am not alone. NFL Draft day is the highest rated day of the year for ESPN, and every year it gets bigger. If it keeps getting bigger each year, it won’t be long before we will have NFL games fifty two weeks of the year.
My wife will NOT be happy.
Believe it or not I have been preparing for tomorrow since late December. After the NFL Super Bowl ended, I have been concentrating even more on the draft.
Why do I do this? I don’t know. But my wife learned very early in our relationship not to bother me on draft weekend. She has conveniently scheduled herself to work this week end. Good girl!
I can’t help it. You see there has been NO football since the Super bowl, and I need a fix on football so bad it would make Amy Winehouse blush.
I have bought three or four of the top draft publications, and I have been watching “Path to the Draft” on the NFL Network every night (sometimes twice!) to prepare for the draft. This last week I have doubled my draft watching, as I prepare for this draft weekend..
At this point you might be asking yourself “Is he a football personnel guy?” No. “Is he a team General Manager?” No. I simply need to get myself ready to help my team (The Oakland Raiders) put together a good draft. It’s not like they are going to call me and consult me on which player they should take; but I wish they would, because I would have the answer for them. Instead I am just going to sit in front of my TV for three days, drink beer, and wear my Raider’s hat proudly as I watch my team pick the guys who are going to take us to the Super Bowl this year. (Right!) This year I’m walking the path to the draft, and the Raider’s are on the bright side of that road.
I do know that I am a geek, and that most of you folks think I am a few bricks short of a full load. You are right. I just want to tell you that I am not alone. NFL Draft day is the highest rated day of the year for ESPN, and every year it gets bigger. If it keeps getting bigger each year, it won’t be long before we will have NFL games fifty two weeks of the year.
My wife will NOT be happy.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Oakland Raiders Mock 2010 Draft
I have been an Oakland Raiders fan since 1966, and I have been a draft-nik since 1982; mostly so I could figure out which would be the best picks for the Raiders to make each year. Needless to say it has been difficult to be a Raiders prognosticator the last few years. While Al Davis has mined a few gems, he has often been wrong about drafting great athletes that didn't translate into good pro football players. With that being said, here is my 2010 Oakland Raiders mock draft.
The Raiders trade the eighth pick to the NY Giants in exchange for the Giants 15th pick in the first round, and their second round pick. The Giants need to upgrade their pass rush and hope to get one of the top two safeties Eric Berry, or Earl Thomas. They may also use this pick to steal DT Dan Williams from the Bills, or for DE Derrick Morgan. The Raiders pick with the 15th pick: Tim Tebow, QB Florida. This is Al's pick all the way and right up his alley. Tim Tebow is the anti-JaMarcus Russell; fast, athletic, good character, hard worker, and a winner. Al knows this is a bit of a reach but he realizes that if the Raiders are ever going to win in his lifetime he needs a QB.
With the first of his second round picks Al picks Sean Lee LB Penn St. The Raiders run defense has been very porous the last few years, and Sean Lee will plug up the gaping holes we've been seeing in the middle of the defense. With their second pick of the second round the Raiders pick Myron Lewis CB, Vanderbilt. This is another classic Al Davis pick, he's tall (6' 1 1/2") and fast almost a Nnamdi Asoumough clone.
In the third round Raiders pick Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas. Lamarr has the size Al covets, and plays with a high motor, high effort, intense style.
In the fourth round Raiders pick Zane Beadles, C, Utah. Zane is listed as a guard or tackle in most draft guides, but Al converts him to center to give the team the tall, mean center it needs.
In the fifth round Raiders pick Brandon Carter, G, Texas Tech. This may be a bit of a reach at this point, but it gives the Raiders a big, strong, mauler to help shore up the middle of the line.
In the sixth round the Raiders pick Darryl Sharpton, LB, Miami,FL. Darryl doesn't have the size Al normally looks for but he knows that Miami linebackers are smart, well coached, and instinctive. Darryl will make his mark the first couple of years as a special teams gunner.
In the seventh round the Raiders pick James Starks, HB, Buffalo. A former teammate of Trevor Scott at Buffalo, James is big, fast, instinctive, and elusive. He will make the ideal third back for the Raiders now that Huggy Bear's kid is no longer with the Raiders.
Well, there it is; my 2010 Oakland Raider mock draft. Will any of these players become actual Raiders? Only time and Al Davis can tell.
The Raiders trade the eighth pick to the NY Giants in exchange for the Giants 15th pick in the first round, and their second round pick. The Giants need to upgrade their pass rush and hope to get one of the top two safeties Eric Berry, or Earl Thomas. They may also use this pick to steal DT Dan Williams from the Bills, or for DE Derrick Morgan. The Raiders pick with the 15th pick: Tim Tebow, QB Florida. This is Al's pick all the way and right up his alley. Tim Tebow is the anti-JaMarcus Russell; fast, athletic, good character, hard worker, and a winner. Al knows this is a bit of a reach but he realizes that if the Raiders are ever going to win in his lifetime he needs a QB.
With the first of his second round picks Al picks Sean Lee LB Penn St. The Raiders run defense has been very porous the last few years, and Sean Lee will plug up the gaping holes we've been seeing in the middle of the defense. With their second pick of the second round the Raiders pick Myron Lewis CB, Vanderbilt. This is another classic Al Davis pick, he's tall (6' 1 1/2") and fast almost a Nnamdi Asoumough clone.
In the third round Raiders pick Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas. Lamarr has the size Al covets, and plays with a high motor, high effort, intense style.
In the fourth round Raiders pick Zane Beadles, C, Utah. Zane is listed as a guard or tackle in most draft guides, but Al converts him to center to give the team the tall, mean center it needs.
In the fifth round Raiders pick Brandon Carter, G, Texas Tech. This may be a bit of a reach at this point, but it gives the Raiders a big, strong, mauler to help shore up the middle of the line.
In the sixth round the Raiders pick Darryl Sharpton, LB, Miami,FL. Darryl doesn't have the size Al normally looks for but he knows that Miami linebackers are smart, well coached, and instinctive. Darryl will make his mark the first couple of years as a special teams gunner.
In the seventh round the Raiders pick James Starks, HB, Buffalo. A former teammate of Trevor Scott at Buffalo, James is big, fast, instinctive, and elusive. He will make the ideal third back for the Raiders now that Huggy Bear's kid is no longer with the Raiders.
Well, there it is; my 2010 Oakland Raider mock draft. Will any of these players become actual Raiders? Only time and Al Davis can tell.
Monday, April 12, 2010
NFL Draft / Ndamukong Suh VS Gerald McCoy
Much of the talk for 2010 NFL Draft is centered around the two big defensive tackles that are considered top 5 picks; Ndamukong Suh, and Gerald McCoy. What are the pluses and minuses of each one, and which one will make the better pro. In this post we will examine each of these prospects and their strengths and liabilities.
When I watch tape on Suh I am left with the impression of one former player, Reggie White. Suh is bigger than Reggie was, but he is just as quick, and disruptive as Reggie. Suh has the strength to throw around offensive linemen as if they were rag dolls, and he is almost unblockable. This guy looks like King Kong in shoulder pads, and has the demeanor of a woman scorned. I can see Suh being able to play, and dominate any position on a four man line. I also believe Suh can dominate as defensive end on a three man line. Suh is big enough and quick enough that he can clog the middle of the line and be a run stopper in the 4-3. He is also strong enough to push offensive tackles into opposing quarterbacks as a power end in the 4-3. As a 3-4 defensive end Suh is perfect for stopping the run, and generating a pass rush. I believe Suh can play any position on the defensive line with the exception of a 3-4 nose tackle. It is not so much that he couldn't play nose in the 3-4, but that much of his talent would be wasted using him just to clog up the middle of the line.
When I watch tape on Gerald McCoy, I am impressed with his quick first step, and his ability to take on double teams and still be effective. I believe McCoy can dominate as a defensive tackle in the 4-3, and as a nose tackle in the 3-4. His strength allows him to clog the middle against the run, and his quickness off the ball allows him to pressure the quarterback up the middle. At 6'4" he will also make it difficult for many qb's to throw over him without it getting slapped back in their face.
In conclusion, I believe both of these players will dominate in the pros. Suh gives a team more flexibility on how they can use him along the defensive line, but McCoy is your more prototypical nose tackle if your team is playing the 3-4. Both of these players should be off the draft board by pick five.
When I watch tape on Suh I am left with the impression of one former player, Reggie White. Suh is bigger than Reggie was, but he is just as quick, and disruptive as Reggie. Suh has the strength to throw around offensive linemen as if they were rag dolls, and he is almost unblockable. This guy looks like King Kong in shoulder pads, and has the demeanor of a woman scorned. I can see Suh being able to play, and dominate any position on a four man line. I also believe Suh can dominate as defensive end on a three man line. Suh is big enough and quick enough that he can clog the middle of the line and be a run stopper in the 4-3. He is also strong enough to push offensive tackles into opposing quarterbacks as a power end in the 4-3. As a 3-4 defensive end Suh is perfect for stopping the run, and generating a pass rush. I believe Suh can play any position on the defensive line with the exception of a 3-4 nose tackle. It is not so much that he couldn't play nose in the 3-4, but that much of his talent would be wasted using him just to clog up the middle of the line.
When I watch tape on Gerald McCoy, I am impressed with his quick first step, and his ability to take on double teams and still be effective. I believe McCoy can dominate as a defensive tackle in the 4-3, and as a nose tackle in the 3-4. His strength allows him to clog the middle against the run, and his quickness off the ball allows him to pressure the quarterback up the middle. At 6'4" he will also make it difficult for many qb's to throw over him without it getting slapped back in their face.
In conclusion, I believe both of these players will dominate in the pros. Suh gives a team more flexibility on how they can use him along the defensive line, but McCoy is your more prototypical nose tackle if your team is playing the 3-4. Both of these players should be off the draft board by pick five.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Why Tiger Can't Tell Us the Truth
It's Master's golf week, and excitement abounds. The buzz going around Augusta today was Tiger Wood's first TRUE interview since that infamous night last Thanksgiving. Tiger did put on a 34 minute interview, and he did give much more in depth answers than ever before.
The one question he did not answer, and that everyone wants him to answer is "What happened last Thanksgiving, and what caused you to run into that tree?" Everyone thinks Tiger is being elusive by not answering that question; but think about it, can you blame him?
Tiger can't answer that question without incriminating his wife for prosecution. Imagine if you will today's interview went like this: (Interviewer) "Tiger what really happened last Thanksgiving night?" (Tiger) "Well that was the night when the shit hit the fan. Like a stupe, probably because of the meds I had taken earlier, I forgot to close my email on the computer before walking away and my wife found it. She went NUTS! She saw a nine iron I had sitting in the corner, grabbed it and came after me! She chased me through every room that I had sex with that Perkin's hostess; which is everyone of them. She was totally crazed, swinging that nine iron as if she were harvesting sugar cane. Though I was sedated, I managed to stay away from that swinging nine iron. Unfortunately she cornered me in the upstairs hall. She swung the club, I blocked it with my arm, but the wedge grazed my head causing a gash and stunning me. I ran down the hall, down the stairs and out the door. Luckily my keys were hung up next to the door. I grabbed them and out the door I ran in my T-shirt, underwear, and bare feet. I dove into the vehicle and I fired that mother up! I Threw it in reverse and backed out of the driveway. As I went past my wife, she yelled "I WILL kill you!" then she bashed in the passenger window right behind me. I tell you, I just wanted to get out of there with my life! I put it in gear and took off. I hit the gas harder than I wanted and my barefoot slipped off the brake causing me to ram into the tree. After the vehicle rammed the tree my wife ran away because she thought the vehicle might explode. I managed to crawl out of the broken windshield and laid in the street until the ambulance showed up."
Tiger would not have those words out of his mouth for five minutes before the police would be arresting his wife for assault, if not assault with a deadly weapon. Tiger can not tell us what really happened that night without implicating his wife.
We will probably find out what really happened when Tiger writes his memoirs, many years after the statute of limitations is over for last Thanksgiving. I bet my account is close.
The one question he did not answer, and that everyone wants him to answer is "What happened last Thanksgiving, and what caused you to run into that tree?" Everyone thinks Tiger is being elusive by not answering that question; but think about it, can you blame him?
Tiger can't answer that question without incriminating his wife for prosecution. Imagine if you will today's interview went like this: (Interviewer) "Tiger what really happened last Thanksgiving night?" (Tiger) "Well that was the night when the shit hit the fan. Like a stupe, probably because of the meds I had taken earlier, I forgot to close my email on the computer before walking away and my wife found it. She went NUTS! She saw a nine iron I had sitting in the corner, grabbed it and came after me! She chased me through every room that I had sex with that Perkin's hostess; which is everyone of them. She was totally crazed, swinging that nine iron as if she were harvesting sugar cane. Though I was sedated, I managed to stay away from that swinging nine iron. Unfortunately she cornered me in the upstairs hall. She swung the club, I blocked it with my arm, but the wedge grazed my head causing a gash and stunning me. I ran down the hall, down the stairs and out the door. Luckily my keys were hung up next to the door. I grabbed them and out the door I ran in my T-shirt, underwear, and bare feet. I dove into the vehicle and I fired that mother up! I Threw it in reverse and backed out of the driveway. As I went past my wife, she yelled "I WILL kill you!" then she bashed in the passenger window right behind me. I tell you, I just wanted to get out of there with my life! I put it in gear and took off. I hit the gas harder than I wanted and my barefoot slipped off the brake causing me to ram into the tree. After the vehicle rammed the tree my wife ran away because she thought the vehicle might explode. I managed to crawl out of the broken windshield and laid in the street until the ambulance showed up."
Tiger would not have those words out of his mouth for five minutes before the police would be arresting his wife for assault, if not assault with a deadly weapon. Tiger can not tell us what really happened that night without implicating his wife.
We will probably find out what really happened when Tiger writes his memoirs, many years after the statute of limitations is over for last Thanksgiving. I bet my account is close.
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