Looking at the way that players have played this season so far, I'm just writing this to well, spark discussion on who we should keep/not keep.

If I were the Raiders GM, and I have made my hires/fires (Bresnahan & LB Coach are Gone), I would look just to fill in the 53-man roster for the team - let the scouts draft their draft, and see what happens from there. (I'm focusing on the 53 man roster, not the draft.) The funny thing is, I believe that we are a very few amount of players away from getting deep in the playoffs, and that it is the scheming that has caused us problems. Now, some of you are on a "Trade Everybody" rant, especially after the last lost, but given all of the injuries and front office changes that have occured, I am confident in this team next year - ONLY IF Hue manages better, and if we get a New and PROPER Defensive Coordinator.

Anyway, here's my 54-man roster (I'm off one, lol) for next year (after the jump):

Continue reading this post »

I made this because I have my eyes on 2 games:

1) Miami @ Kansas City - If Kansas City Loses, and San Diego Loses, and We win, WE'RE FIRST.  THAT IS ALL THAT MATTERS.  Right now, Kansas City is getting 3rd down conversions....If Miami makes one stop they can force them to punt.

I thank Phillip Rivers for giving us this chance to actually win this AFC West by fumbling the game away.  Now that we're all tied, we're in the best position to win this division. 

It is 3-0 Kansas City, so at least KC didn't score a TD, and Miami is still in the game....so far.  let's hope they win and expose this Chiefs offense..

2) Jets vs. Bills - LET'S GO BILLS.

I made it clear - I hate the Jets more than some of our rivals.  And I love what the Bills are doing.  They can win this West - I SAID IT.

Also, if anything else intrigues anybody, this would be the perfect place to put it.

I actually decided to analyze this one, since it is actually showing on NFL Network, and I have a DVR.  Here are some things that jump out at me:

DEFENSE

13:12 - What I noticed was that on the first completion that Alex Smith had to Vernon Davis, Boyd played the inside, and Vernon went out; hence the completion.  It was a good route by Vernon, as you never want to give Vernon the inside of the field to run as he pleases. Easy First Down, what can you ask for. 

12:50 - Good Run Blocking by the 49ers.  Very Good Blocking: Guard made excellent pull and Blocked Branch.  Defense played for the pass, as 3 safeties were in - Huff, Branch, Brown.

11:25 - Pass was Caught underneath Man Coverage by Branch.  I would have wanted  him to come close to the line here, so that the flat route isn't given away easily. 

9:45 - This one Alarmed me.  Van Dyke is Waving his hands for some reason.  All of a sudden, Branch comes out of Nowhere a second later to cover Edwards.  Now, as The Ball is hiked and the route is ran, Branch Overstepped a bit, Giving Smith the throw for Edwards.  Branch was way too late on this motion; it's a good thing he broke up the pass.  But here is the problem: Van Dyke did not stay with his man, but went with Edwards, leaving Vernon Davis alone as Smith passes to Edwards.  There was very good protection, andif  Alex pump-fakes it, Davis is wide open on the sideline.  DVD needed to stick with his man. And Branch should not have been late.

9:39 - We're playing 4 safeties, 1 LB.  WHAT THE HELL ARE WE DOING PLAYING 4 SAFETIES AND 1 LB?? Brown was FS, Huff was on Slot Receiver, which left Boyd on Dixon.  And they hike..And Dixon runs...and Boyd Gets Swallowed by the Pulling Guard.  Now, this was the wrong formation completely, But If Boyd had pursued a little more outside, Dixon would have had to cut back - which Is what i would have wanted.  McClain wasn't blocked.  And it wouldn't have been a first down.

8:19 - Man Coverage, Van Dyke was pushed off of, and allowed the easy hitch.  Need to press that situation; get on Edwards, and not play above him - that makes him suspect to the backshoulder fade.

6:56 - Groves thinks it was an outside play; he goes to engage the outside thinking it is a stretch play, and it is an inside play.  Groves followed the fullback, so it's a good play by the Niners - The Fullback is probably Groves' man in m-t-m coverage.

Jump over for the offense....

Continue reading this post »

There were many questions about Jason Campbell's leadership because he was not having open practices and such with players in order to prepare for the next up an coming season, saying Campbell was not a leader, this, that and the other.

Here are the details after the jump.

Continue reading this post »

Well, apparently, after going on www.raidernews.com (BEST NEWS SITE EVER), I fell upon 2 articles that made me think...and made me very, VERY optimistic about the season. 

The first was an article that was titled "Davis Loves Super Bowl Winners, Packers That Could be Raiders."  Here are some of the players that NEED to be targeted from this team.

1) A.J. Hawk and/or Desmond Bishop- Now, the reason why I REALLY love this guy as a potential LB is because Even before the Packers switched to a 3-4, they had a very dominant 4-3 defense, with Aaron Kampman - remember how much of a beast he was??  A.J. was a cornerstone LB in that he solidified the position.  If anything, Signing him would be the BEST thing possible.  He cam play the run, and his pass coverage is great.  And with Wimbley AND McClain, We could transist from the 4-3 to the 3-4 whenever we wanted to. Desmond Bishop is aslo great against the run, and would also anchor the Linebackers.

2) James Jones/ Jordy Nelson - Big Upgrades at WR.  Both are very good, and both can catch the foot ball really well.  They would be solid, solid additons to the WR core.  Just one of them would be just fine.

The second article, titled "Another Redskins Reunion in Oakland" gives this guy as another option:

3) Santana Moss - Great Veteran, and JC has timing with him.  Even using him in the slot would be great, as well as using him with Jacoby Ford.  He had a hands issue one or two years, but had some very, very good years with the Redskins) incluing playoff years.

And what is the best way to do this? Ironically, it's doing the one thing I am afraid of: letting Nnamdi go.  The BEST thing to hapen would be to sign everybody that is needed, upgrade with these veterans, and draft Very Well AGAIN.

Come on Al, do what you gotta do.

Watching the way that Our offense played, I knew that it was going to have to be up to the defense to win games for us.  And that is the problem that we have had for the longest: Our Secondary can hardly win games for us.

We all know the problems with the secondary.  However, this last game proved a point that I have realized since last year:  The More Man Coverage we play, The More Pass Interference Calls we will get. 

Routt has improved a great deal from last year, but he is too inconsistent.  The problem is that he always gets more attention, thanks to Nnamdi being the corner that he is.  So, being that he isn't Nnamdi, he will get beat.  However, those Pass Interference calls killed up.  But, I actually expected that from him; Nnamdi had a lot of Pass Interference Calls as well. The problem is that as Deion sanders has said, "Every Corner gets beat.  it's how much that matters."  So, the flags are used to hide that fact....however...it still costs us.

Now.....CJ...... One of the reasons why I hate trash talking, is because when one gets owned, and still talks trash, it makes them look stupid.  THIS GUY cost us the game.  He was too busy jarring with Pierre Garcon, while not only getting a PI call, but being made stupid for not turning around in the end zone for the ball.  I say, Once you hit inside the 5 yard line , TURN AROUND AND LOOK FOR THE BALL.  This guy needs to be put as the 4th corner; just because his play has declined great from 2008. 

Next, we have Michael Huff.  He needs to Stay at High safety, for he is way too inconsistent at Corner.  Jags game proved that point. 

And Finally, Mike Mitchell and Tyvon Branch. They need to improve their agility; they have to cover tight end drag routes.  And also, Once you hit inside the 5 yard line , TURN AROUND AND LOOK FOR THE BALL.

So..What's the solution to our Corner Problems? Well, Unless we Can find a Corner that can Man Cover better than Routt, then we're done for against 3-wide and 4-wide teams. Which..is what the Chargers are, the Colts, The Patriots, The Steelers, The Jets....yeah..we're done for.

After the loss today, there were a couple of things that I saw that should not have happened.

1) The Ball was forced too many times.

2) The Ball was underthrown too many times

3) Our run Game got Annihilated.

And the defense got leaky after all of the pounding; but I expected that, especially after we did not get the 7 when we needed 3.

So right now, we are 5-6, and the Chargers are 6-5. And we'll be playing them in San Diego; which is why I will take our chances.

Right now, the problems we have are evident; if we cannot run the ball, we will lose.  However, I saw a shining light with this problem.  The screen game worked well, and I believe that the screen is the key to continue to get the "running yards" that we need.  If teams want to go and pursue the run against us, use the screen 10-15 times a game.  Make them pursue the screen.  Then, the holes in the middle open up.

But what about our WRs? Stop throwing to them...deep that is.  Ford is our #1 - YES, Our #1 receiver.  So he should start. Have Murphy as the possession receiver.  Have him run routes that gets us the first downs, such as slants, drags, ins, comebacks, etc.  Get Zack Miller open - If he can't play, get Myers open.  USE THE TE.

Now, as much as I have watched Jason, I will say this: He does overthrow receivers. And, If you are going to miss a receiver, Overthrowing is much better.  Bruce proved that today with the underthrown interceptions.

The next thing I will say is BRING BACK THE 6 OL. We have to use Campbell now, especially since Grad is injured. And now, we have to protect - WITH OUR LIVES. 

What we need to do in the Chargers game is THROW THE BALL EARLY.  Like the Dolphins game, The Chargers will expect the run.  So we need to playaction a whole lot.  Let the pass set up the run.  Will we need Jason to play out of his ass? YES. But it comes down to this.  I know one thing: They will be very happy, and take us LIGHTLY. 

Peyton Manning threw 3 INTs (not counting the 4th in the last quarter under 2:00).  All of them were plays inside of 15 yards.  These plays should be opened up, because I expect they will play for the run early.  So the passes in the middle UNDERNEATH the safeties should be open.  The Screen game should also work. 

One thing that should also work is the DEEP SLOT ROUTES. They know we can fly.  Their corners can as well.  So, we let Higgins or Ford FLY for the deep inside post routes from the Slot position, and take advantage of the Cover 2 Crease.  This HAS to be done from the Shotgun, or the 3 step drop. 

What we shouldn't do is throw from the I-Form sets with 2 WRs on the same side.  They are great in coverage, and picks will be generated that way. 

The Quick Slants can work as well.  if we can get inside, and throw on the side they are blitzing on, the WR should be open. 

Then, when the start playing back, set up the draw.  Let BUSH run the draw; pound up the middle. 

The Twin TE sets with Barnes as a TE are also acceptable, use Miller or Myers as a bailout.

For the defense:

Phillip Rivers will Troll Down the Field.  Answer: Cover 3, with Huff DEEP (20 yards) and a SPY on Sproles or whoever the HB is (McClain). Make them run the ball on us.  Because I know one thing: SD's rushing is NOT Miami's. 

The Blitz did not work because 1) The WRs caught the ball, and 2) We did not get there fast enough.  So, sending 5-6 guys I agree on - NOT 8-9.  GEEZ.

Nnamdi is not a full health.  So, we have to work the Zone, and keep Routt on ONE RECEIVER.  Put him on Naanee.  Let Nnamdi handle Floyd; ALL HE DOES IS GO DEEP.  If McClain is spying Sproles, PUT MITCHELL ON GATES AGAIN.

Being that they won, and we lost 2, I think they will sleep on us. We3 can still go .500 AGAIN.  We just need to Execute.

At least there is no QB Controversy again.

I Posted this before in the fighting .500 thread, but I will state it again:

Instead of arguing about the problems, offer solutions. 

I look at the players that we have, and I do see this: The system needs to be changed. I believe that Grad is more of a West Coast type player; he can dink and dunk it well. And given our receivers do comeback routes best (LOL), that system would help him fluorish.

Campbell is a Playaction/Shotgun/7 step drop quarterback that can throw the deep bomb. We have the run game for it, but the receivers are not consistent enough to produce. The O-Line is also not able to handle it.

However the biggest problem we have is that we CANNOT stop the blitz. Pittsburgh Blitzes. The Jets uses the Blitz. San Diego uses The Blitz. Tennessee Blitzed. Because of that, we have to stack the line with 6 linemen. One thing I will give Al’s Wingman credit for, he is right about the O-Line not being good. They’re okay. The Best players are on the left side, and ONE OF THEM IS A ROOKIE.

We haven’t chosen a definite system yet. And we don’t have the line or the receivers Baltimore does. And then, we add in Injuries.

All in all, If we choose a system and stick with it, the right QB will be in. I say, run the 6 linemen, with Ford, Higgins, and DHB. Let Murphy, Miller, and Chaz sit and heal. Then Let JC do his work.

For Grad, put in Myers, Ford, and Higgins (DHB needs to heal as well.) along with McFadden. Or, give him 1 WR (Higgins), 1 TE (Myers), and Marcel Reese.

See what I did there? I established a SYSTEM, which should Optimize the potential for EACH Quarterback we have.

We can argue all we want. Point is, the question is, WHAT IS BEING DONE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE OFFENSE PERFORMS AT 80% all the time. 80. Because we can win games with the Offense at 80%.

- Orton is throwing the ball downfield, especially in the middle. I took quick notice of that; they want to attack vertically.

- Tim Tebow can throw the ball.  He looked good throwing, and the passes were accurate.  Add on the mobility.  He did get blindsided and almost fumbled the ball.

-The Chargers are hitting the middle of the field between 5 and 15 yards.  2 LBs playing small zone, or Zone and spy can possibly stop that.

- Jammer is having trouble with speedy receivers, especially with double cut routes.  Knox worked him this game. If we ever get Ford or DHB on him, work him with some of these, and hopefully it works.

- Chargers havng some false start issues so far.

- KC didn't do anything impressive really.

- The Pass to Naanee? Zach Bowman ain't crap. Period.  Although, CJ need to do better in One-on-Ones.

-Brady Quinn..ain't crap. Period.  I say Tebow becomes #2.

Will be putting more notes as I watch more preseason Games.

Apparently, Bruce is at Alameda working on his mechanics and stuff....RIGHT NOW. No JaMarcus, no Frye.

This was completely different from his KNBR interview posted earlier on this site by our very own B.A.Armstrong.

Check this Link out:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/raiders/detail?&entry_id=58835

And I quote Bruce Gradkowski after being asked "Who is he working out with at Alameda?",

"When I was back in Pittsburgh, I'd bring my dad to the gym and he'd strap on some gloves and he'd catch a few balls for me. Since I've been out here, a lot of players aren't back yet but a couple of times I was throwing with Darrius Heyward-Bey, other times it's our equipment managers but whoever's around that can just catch a couple balls for me, it helps. I'm excited to get started because it's going to be one of the first years, I'd like to get it started from the get-go and see what we can do with it."

Other quest - WAIT WHAT? 

"Since I've been out here, a lot of players aren't back yet but a couple of times I was throwing with Darrius Heyward-Bey--"

So the Rookie, Drops Hella Balls, isn't only practicing with grad, but it as the facility THIS EARLY AS WELL?

*breathes deep* let me finish this post.

In the interview, he also talked about speaking with Rich Gannon all the time, his rehabbing going well, him looking at this season as optimistic for the Raiders, and his history with Jeff Garcia.

But back to my beaming.  Why?  Not only has he been rehabbing, and says that he's going to be ready for the season, he's training with out youngest receiver, who needs help catching as it is.  They're establishing a VERY important relationship with each other, and they are learning what they each are comfortable with.

and Where is JaMarcus?  Not at the facility - where he NEEDS to be.  Unless he really is getting training with a QB coach to fix himself.

With that being said, I would like to Quote Deion Sanders from NFL network again:

"I BELIEVE IN DOC. B!"

In Bruce We Trust.

Comment of the week:

On Levi's article http://tfdssports.com/2010-articles/march/up-to-100-al-hire-a-gm-billboards-planned.html

written by Sonnyjj, March 04, 2010
There is no way to know if those signing the petition are real Raider Fans or Raider Haters that are getting a kick out of this. My guess is the bulk of the petition is not Raider Fans but Raider Haters.

It is a shame to see the younger generation of Raider Fan. We were one of a kind for many a year good times or bad. Just as a team finds out about it's character during bad and rough times so does a Fan base. With so called fans like these who needs enemies.

These new so called Raider Fans are nothing more than punks to me and my hope is that the 49ers start winning again so they head back across the Bay Bridge. This dude is nothing more than a clown and cares nothing for the Raiders. It is all about getting his name out there. The funny thing is how stupid this cat is, I know 3 guys that are not Raider Fans that told me they signed the petition and are loving every minute of it.

Raider Fans my &^%, these guys look way to much like the other ^%$ fan bases around the NFL and being a member of Raider Nation for many a year that supports my team with owning season tickets and attending the games I do not claim them as my own and call them all out as the PUNKS THAT THEY ARE.

Now, I do disagree with the season tickets and atending games; nobody wants to see a losing team, honestly.  BUT...No respect is shown for Al these days, and no respect is shown for this TEAM.  I mean, EVERY SINGLE DAMN TIME The Raiders are addressed on NFL Network, WHY THE HELL DO ALL OF THE SPORTSWRITERS THERE LAUGH?? It's like we're the laughingstock of the NFL now.  The Bills did the same damn thing, however nobody except AFC East fans are poking fun.  In fact, when somebody wrote a hateful message on Leodis McKelvin's lawn, Bills fans stopped there.  Instead, all the hell I see people do is hope for the day that Al leaves - and we all know the only way he's leaving: if he is critically ill, or in a casket.  This needs to stop.

I ask, where are the TRUE Raider Fans?  Because only true Raider Fans have enough RESPECT not to call for Al's Head...yes..his head.  I don't see the Rams or the Bucs or the Lions, or Cleveland, or KC complaining as much as I see here. 

Just something your own Analyzer From Home is seeing every day.

I've had enough of all of the inside bickering between Raider Nation, with everybody blaming whoever they can inside of the Raider organization for the losses that have occurred during the past 7 seasons.

I just got through reading an article about someone defending Al's Quarterback, the O-Line being bad, and blah-blah-blah - I don't even care anymore. 

Fine, almost everything on this team sucked.

Can we at least try to focus on the good that happened this season?

What about Louis Murphy? The one receiver that showed light along with Zack Miller while both Schilens and Higgins were out.

Tyvon Branch leading the safeties in tackles? If his coverage develops, he'll be even better than he was this season.

Seymour and Ellis bringing needed life to the Pass Rush?

Bush's running? To every person on this site that defended Bush when I said Fargas was better, YOU WERE RIGHT.

Fargas' running?  In Goal line situations, he's like Superman.

Nnamdi's play this year?  He shut down receivers well this year just like Revis...too bad he didn't get any chances to get picks.

Janokowski AND Lechler? Both phenominal.

Right now, I really don't Care who is at Quarterback.  Whoever shows they deserve it shows they deserve it.  If Russell shows he can do it, then let him do it.  If he doesn't, bench him.  I just want to get whoever we need to win football games.  Just so everyone could stop their damn bickering.

I don't care who calls plays - as long as the plays are good, and that they lead to wins, then fine.

As long as we get wins, and I mean AT LEAST 9, then I don't care what happens.  JUST WIN BABY, PLEASE.

And for all the Russell Defenders, I will NOT retract ANY of my statements about him until we win games with HIM starting, and not look to turn around when Backups have to win games For us.  Let him Prove Me Wrong. No more hoping that he gets it together.

While looking at the season that has been, and the coming offseason, and with all of the comments that have been made, I decided to take a look at the roster, and give my opinion, on why things have been the way they have been for us this year, besides the issues with the Coach, and because of the Decisions of the Owner.

Blames on Offense: 

1)      The Offensive Line.

The Offensive line has been horrible.  Period. The Blocking has been horrible, Cornell Green with the penalties early this season, and the injuries and benchings that has caused us to place other players at different positions, especially the injuries to Gallery, our best offensive lineman. They have not given any of our quarterbacks protection, which is one of the reasons why we are in the bottom 5 teams of sacks allowed.

2)      JaMarcus Russell

Do you know how frustrating it is to hear my father week after week say that it's the offensive line's fault for everything, and that JaMarcus is a good quarterback?  It ANNOYS me.  Everyone, including Cable knows that he needed to be benched after Week 3.  We all know why he is not a good quarterback right now.  Will he get better? Who knows? I have to see it to believe it right now.

3)      Darren McFadden

I see Darren similar to Reggie Bush; he needs to be used in the right way.  The playcalling usually has him running in between the Tackles; that's not his specialty, It never was.  And, he fumbles. HOWEVER, If one takes a look at the list of rushers that fumbled the ball, he's up there with Adrian Peterson, Steve Slaton, Frank Gore, Michael Turner, Beanie Wells, and Ricky Williams.  Is he a homerun hitter right now? No.  I blame that though, on the playcalling.  Imagine a full house backfield that utilizes Bush, Fargas, and McFadden. Motioning could result in a big problem for the opposing Defense.  Is he a keeper?  I don't know.  He just needs to be used in a better way. 

4)      Darrius Heyward-Bey

There is no excuse for the way he has been dropping balls, especially when they hit him in the right place. He was a waste to be playing.  However, I have no reason not to believe that Al made Cable put him in.  Right now, he looks to be a waste of a pick.  He reminds me of Ted Ginn Jr., though: Blazing fast speed, but has no hands.  The key will be if he develops hands.  He should be used as a returner like Ted is; he'll probably be more suited for special teams.

5)      Javon Walker

You're probably wondering, "How can you blame somebody that only played below 10 plays the whole season?  Because, well, let's face it: He pissed Al off.  If he didn't do that, he would be playing I believe.  NOTE: I probably am wrong for this, so tell me if I am.  I feel 30-40% about this blame, but think about it for a second.

Blame on the Defense:

1)      Richard Seymour

Now this one, It was hard to realize it at first.  Yes, he was brought in, and didn't perform to Our expectations.  Yes, he did not make a huge impact playing as a DT.  However, I believe that he was out of his natural position. Was he worth the first rounder this year? No.  But, focus on these stats:  With him taking the double teams, Greg Ellis, Matt Shaughnessy, Trevor Scott and others have been getting the sacks.  Our pass rush is getting to where it needs to be now with him on.  The question is, will he be able to prove himself? Not at all, because I think he's going to another team.  Thus, even if he is a Pro Bowl Alternate, he is not the player worth the first round pick.  I say we need at least 2 more pass rushers - 2 Nose tackles and another Defensive Tackle - to solidify the line completely.

2)      The Linebackers as a whole.

Yeah, I put the whole Linebacking core on blast.  I think that the linebackers are to blame, rather than Seymour take all the blame.  On big run after big run, the linebackers are constantly out of position, allowing these plays to happen.  Same thing with the pass.  Excuse the amount of tackles Morrison had; He makes those tackles after the fact.  If the LBs played in position and in your face, then we would not be ranked among the low in defense.

3)      Chris Johnson and Stanford Routt

I remember watching this guy (CJ) this season every single week give up big play after big play after big darn play.  Routt has always been more of an underperformer than a performer. Point is, because Nnamdi is on the other side of the field, it is their responsibility to make the plays, because Nnamdi hardly gets thrown to, and STILL goes to Pro-Bowls.

Give your opinions on who else should be added.

Note: I hope this does not make me look like an ass.

Well, because I'm bored, why not look at who is available in Free Agency that I PRAY Al goes after to help our team out.

First, I'll state what I believe we need:

1) OL (and more than two)

2) QB

3) DT

4) DB (preferably CB)

5) LB (All three spots, give or take one)

Now, let's see who is entering Free Agency from our team:

Khalif Barnes( OL), Cornell Green (OL), Richard Seymour (DL), Kirk Morrison, Thomas Howard, Tyvon Branch, Hiram Eugene, Stanford Routt. 

In this situation, I believe that three out of these four players should be kept, Tyvon winning a Guaranteed spot.  Between Seymour, Kirk, and Howard, I want to give Seymour a guaranteed spot as well; we CAN'T let a first round pick go to waste.

Now, let's look at the positions listed above, and the possible free agents that belong - doesn't mean they will get signed - in Oakland.

QB:

Brodie Croyle - He can get it done, Just needs players around him.

Tarvaris Jackson - He looks to be turning slowly into a mini Donovan McNabb.

Troy Smith (RFA)  - He won the starting Job 2 years ago, but was out because of tonsilitis.  He DESERVES a start.

Matt Moore (RFA) - Panters are probably gonna keep him.

OL: 

Logan Mankins - New England Patriot.  'Nuff Said.

Donald Penn - Nice Left Tackle from TB.

Charlie Johnson - Another LT from IND.

Alex Barron - LT from STL.

Marshall Yanda - Guard from Baltimore. 

Note: There are MANY more linemen available, as seen in these two links:

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2010/fa/ol.html and

http://www.kffl.com/static/nfl/features/freeagents/fa.php?option=OL&y=2010

But back to the FA:

DT:

Vince Wilfork (Trust me, put him and Seyour together, with Tommy and Ellis, That looks like a GREAT D-Line.)

Ryan Pickett - He plays great for GB..too bad they use a 3-4 Now.

Barry Coefield and Fred Robbins - These 2 linemen help make The Giants' D-Line what it is..I should know..I live in NYC.

Note: There are More Linemen here available as well.

CB:

Dunta Robinson - Good Corner for HOU.  If paid, he'll play well (I hope.)

Ellis Hobbs - Probably going to go back to the Eagles.

Marlin Jackson and Tim Jennings - Good corners from IND.

Corey Webster - Giants might keep him, but he's a person you have to act FAST on.

I don't know about the rest, might be best to draft a couple of corners in the later rounds.

LB:

Tully Banta-Cain - Don't know about coverage, but 9.5 sacks.

Barett Ruud - You want an MLB? Here's a good one from Tampa for you.

Larry Foote - Don't know again...Maybe.

Lofa Tatupu - MLB for the Seahawks - I say Go for it.

Derrick Johnson - an ILB from KC? Why not?

Keith Ellison - the force from Buffalo.

As you see, there are a good amount of people that are available.  I say that Al should try and get a lot of players from this Free agency class, then work the draft.  Us getting better in the Run defense is POSSIBLE. VERY POSSIBLE. 

Now, who do you want to see from Free Agency here?

ESPN and other sources are reporting that Charlie Frye WILL be starting this Sunday against Denver.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2009/12/raiders-to-start-charlie-frye-vs-broncos-instead-of-jamarcus-russell/1

Also, with Al Davis signing J.P. Losman, I wonder how JaMarcus is feeling right now... I know how me and almost every other Raider fan are feeling. Is this the solution? Of course not.  However, ANYTHING is better than JR under center.  And, who knows? These QBs are getting a chance to prove themselves.  And by looking at Gradkowski, they will do whatever they can to become a good quarterback in the NFL. At least that's what I think. o_o

So, as I watch NFL Gameday Final Live with Rich Eisen, Steve Mariucci, and Deion "Primetime" Sanders, I just sit on my toes, waiting for them to Talk 'Bout my Raiders. (It's like that with every win.  Talk 'Bout them Raiders.)

As they talk about them, Deion Sanders says 2 things, which I am GLAD to quote him on.

1) Rich Eisen: "Bruce Gradkowski has thrown more passes in 1 game than JaMarcus Russell did for the whole time he was starting. Does this mean we might not see JaMarcus Russell in the near future?"

Deion Sanders: "We better not see him in the near future."

A point that EVERY Raider fan can agree too, especially with the 2 wins and the game we should have won (Thanks, DHB.)

2) "I believe in Doc. B." 

Every Raider fan is not saying this, BUT...It is up to Gradkowski and the team AROUND him to start playing like how everyone EXPECTED them to do, even in that Week 1 lost to the Chargers.

Right now, Am I a believer? A little.  He did have an off game against the Cowboys, but, that would have been a WHOLE different game if the Defense got those two turnovers (The clash between Morrison and Branch, and the Trevor Scott drop.)

Oh, and P.S.:

If you check Richard Seymour's stats, He's on his way to playing another season that is VERY similar to Single season stats with the Patriots, (excluding 2003, 2007, and 2008.)  Plus, Look who the Patriots got.  Can somebody tell me what Derrick Burgess has done? Hmmm? Seymour and Ellis has brought LIFE to this Defensive Line in the Pass (Yes, I know our Run Defense sucks.) We've been getting in the backfield. I know we need a DT, and I believe that once we get one, and put Seymour back on the ends, we will Give teams Problems.

Know what this is? I didn't actually think people would go through this...

http://www.examiner.com/x-514-Oakland-Raiders-Examiner~y2009m11d3-Raider-Nation-sends-message-to-Al-Davis

This, is a petition for Al Davis to:

1)      Step down as General Manager,

2)      Hire a GM

3)      Hire a real Coach (I like Tom Cable..>_>)

4)      Allow the Coach to pick his assistants and what not.

Am I gonna sign it? I don't know.  Will you? 

     If there is one thing that I love about football, it is one thing: DEFENSE.  The Raiders have had defenses before, and have players that represent RAIDER defense.  Hence, I have always loved Rex Ryan and Rob Ryan, because they are defensive gurus.  I also just now got a glimpse of John Marshall, who should keep dialing up defenses that equals wins, not defenses that please Al Davis. (Trust me, if the defense keeps rolling, and Marshall is let go because he won't play mostly Cover 1 Man, RAIDER NATION WILL REVOLT.) 

            That being said, for anybody that thinks this game next week against the Jets will be a breeze, You're Wrong.  Let me explain why.

1)      Secondary - The Jets Secondary is composed of: Kerry Rhodes, Darrelle "Baby Lockdown" Revis, Lito Sheppard, Jim Leonard, and Dwight Lowery, among others.  This secondary is NOT to be toyed with.  Darelle Revis, just like Nnamdi Asomugha does, make receivers such as Andre Johnson, Randy Moss, etc. disappear.  Their secondary WILL pick the ball if throws are bad.

2)      Calvin Pace and David Harris - GREAT Linebackers.  (I'm surprised Bart Scott has not shown up...that should trouble most people.

This Defense can win games....and the Jets SHOULD  have won that game against the Bills...

Now, let's look at the offense.

1)      Thomas Jones - Over 210 Rushing yards yesterday. 210.  And with the way we're still struggling with the run, you aren't concerned with that?

2)      Leon Washington - Very Similar to Darren Sproles - who single handedly handed us the Loss Week 1.

3)      Braylon Edwards - Not too worried, since Nnamdi will be on him...which leaves for Chris Johnson...

4)      DAVID CLOWNEY.  Now, why is his name in caps?

This guy, is a PROBLEM. I swear, every time I watch a Jets football game, he ALWAYS makes a huge Deep yardage catch.  Every single game he plays in. and who has been giving up the big plays on our defense? Chris Johnson.  Look for the Jets to manipulate that.

5) Dustin Keller - Like I said, Tyvon will be busy covering him, but, Tyvon cannot give up plays of 15+ yards.  It hurts the defense when that happens.

I know you're now saying, "But Mark Sanchez has thrown 8 picks in the last three games, we'll be fine.

NOT if Bryan Schottenheimer decided to Actually call the RIGHT plays on us. 

So, I now give the keys, in my opinion to win this game.

1)      BLITZ - Blitz, but do it EFFECTIVELY.  The Jets O-Line is good.  Very Good.  We Have to penetrate...if we don't then we're in trouble.

2)      Run the ball Up the gut - Now let's see if Bush and Fargas can work magic Without Kris Jenkins playing, and with Bart Scott not playing up to caliber.

3)      PROTECT THE QB - Rex Ryan will send blitzes against our O-Line.  Like the Eagles game, we MUST protect JaMarcus Russell in order for us to win.

4)      JaMarcus Russell must MANAGE the game AGAIN.  This is a pick-hungry Jets Defense who has 5 picks so far this season.  We need him to play better than he did against the Eagles.

5)      We need another big play. 

6)      We need to Score Points - this means Touchdowns, not Field Goals.

7)      Play Good Special Teams - Like I said, Leon Washington is very similar to Darren Sproles.

8)      Stop the Run Game - ‘Nuff Said.

9)      Capitalize on the Rookie's Mistakes - We need our Defense to capitalize on the Rookies mistakes

10)  LESS DROPS.  Schilens is coming back, so we need to get the ball to him and Murphy. Get the ball into the people that are Supposed to make plays for us.

11)  Work the Screen game - Gary Russell = Brilliance.

We'll now have to see what the Raiders do against the Jets.

Prediction: - I don't make predictions; that is what all the stupid NFL Analysts did...

i.e. - Inside the NFL - Cris Collinsworth - Philadelphia Vs. Oakland? (Crew laughs a little, drops card down)

     - NFL Playbook - Analysts decide that Philly's Defense will "Overwhelm" Oakland.

Get My Drift? We'll have to watch and see.

Being an Oakland fan and living in New York is possibly the best thing that has happened to me this week.  All of the constant talk down and laughter always fall on me whether we win or lose.  However, given the fact that the Giants got CRUSHED by the Saints and that the Jets lost to a very bad Buffalo Bills team (Sanchez isn't God in their eyes no more, LOL), I watched and listened to the Raiders game however I could...and boy, what a win.  However, what did I see that was very important in this game?

1)      JaMarcus Russell managed the game better than he has so far this season.

If you look at the stats, his QB Rating was a 68.2.  17/28, 224, 1TD, 2 INT.

Okay, Minus these two factors: 1) Zack Miller's 86 yard Touchdown (I'll get back to this) and 2) One of the interceptions (I don't count tip drills, Tip Drills ARE NOT The QB's Fault.)

15/26, 138, 1 INT.

Not pretty stats at all, but better than what we've seen so far.

However, I saw some throws that JaMarcus made, that wowed me, being that he was so horrible throwing for the past 5 games (well, maybe not the Giants  game, but...yeah, let's forget that game.) For example, the 4th down play, where JaMarcus rolled out, and threw a good pass to Murphy, who dropped the ball.  Now, some of you might say, "That's Russell's fault; he should have threw it higher." To you all, I say this: Remember Week One, where he couldn't throw the ball toward a receiver on the sidelines within 5 feet? To go from that, to doing throws like the one to Murphy, that impressed me.  Yes, he did throw some throws that could have been picked off again, and was picked off once.  All of those were to Zack Miller in the Middle.  Meaning, He was trying to get it to his best player right now.  He still needs to work on finding the open man and hitting him, no doubt about that.  I leave you with one thing, however: JaMarcus did work the Screen game.

2)      Our Run Game decided to show up a little.

Fargas put in a good effort this game- 23 for 87 yards.  Bush didn't do much - 6 for 22.  However, the running in total was 116 yards, and that shows that the Offensive Line did their job to let our runners finally get some yardage in.  However, there were times that I thought that Fargas could have broken one.  Seriously, he had the chances. This means we still have a lot of work to do there. Kudos to Fargas and Gary Russell for stepping up, showing Bush and McFadden how it should be done every game.

3)      We Blitzed, and it WORKED.

6 Sacks. ‘Nuff Said.

4)      We played Zone, and it worked.

It did.  Although Man is what the Raiders live, the zone worked good.  It did.

Now, for Player Highlights:

1)      Zack Miller - If he didn't score that touchdown, we would have lost that game.

2)      Louis Murphy - This guy is quickly becoming a star on our team.  He catches okay for us (needs time to develop those hands), blocks well (Hence why Zack Miller scored that TD), and shows ability to make plays.  He still has work to do, as seen with the 4th down pass he dropped, and the tip drill interception.  But we need a player like him.

3)      STANFORD ROUTT - Now, why is this guy in capital letters?

Nnamdi Asomugha, our BEST player hands down, was out for most of the game.  Chris Johnson looks like he needs to start studying under him again, as he was getting beat in many plays that Donovan McNabb overthrew (Thank God for that.) However, this guy, he played GREAT coverage.  He did.  He didn't get beat by receivers like usual, he stayed with the receivers, got some very key bats in, and helped out very much.  But here's the biggest reason why I capitalized his name.

On a drive where the Eagles were deep in Raider territory, Routt was called for a pass interference play, where upon the review, the broadcasters admitted that it looked like the receiver, Jeremy Maclin, had tripped, either on his own feet, Routt's feet, or the turf - there was no push at all.  The importance of this call?  It took away Routt's Pick-6.  Basically, the refs cost us 7 points.

4)      Richard Seymour - 2 sacks - He look like he's back.

5)      Trevor Scott - 2 sacks - That's what we need from him.

6)      Jay Richardson - 1 sack - Ditto.

Now, for the things the team needs to fix:

1)      Johnnie Lee Higgins - He needs to be a better catcher and Punt returner - We do not need 2 fumbles, we really don't.

2)      The inside game - Westbrook ate us alive in the middle, just like Darren Sproles did.  This HAS TO STOP.

3)      The Run defense - we're lucky that Andy Reid didn't run all game, or else we would have lost.  We need to play better run defense.  I can't suggest how; that's not my job (and I'm not good with run defense).

4)      The deep middle - Tyvon Branch has played well.  However, I feel that he needs to increase pressure on the tight ends he covers - we play Antonio Gates one more time, Dustin Keller, Jason Witten, Heath Miller, Chris Cooley, and Todd Heap. Get me?  Pro-Bowl tight ends.  He's done well so far, but now is time to play even better.

5)      The run game - we need some long runs that hurt the other team. Seriously, we really do.  So, more work from the O-Line.

6)      Chris Johnson - we REALLY need him to play better. When Nnamdi's on the field, he is the PRIME target. All of the big deep plays that happened to us - most of those were on Chris Johnson.

7)      Dropped Balls and Tip Drills - This has to stop as well.  Maybe the receivers should catch bricks to get their hand game up.

8)      The Blitz - It worked to day, so do all of raider nation a favor and KEEP DOING IT.

9)      Bush and McFadden - They need to step it up.  Seriously.  If not, let's just use what works right now.

10)  Darrius Heyward-Bey - Get him off the field, and let him learn.  Make him catch bricks as well.  And let us see more of Javon Walker (O_O, he was in the game!) - let's see if he really is a bust (which I think he is).

11)  The offense - WE HAVE TO FINISH OFF PLAYS WITH TOUCHDOWN, NOT FIELD GOALS.

12)  The coaching  - Keep working at it...Now that we found something that work, let's not get back into the bad playcalling and boring old schemes we usually run, okay?

Let's hope this carries into the Jets game..because we have a Really good chance of winning that one.

As I sit here, now, looking over stats, and recover from a heartbreaking loss that puts the Oakland Raiders at 0-1-0, I look over this game and look at every half, and the key points that need to be pointed out, which had a huge effect on this game.

1)      The question mark still is on JaMarcus Russell.

If you look at Russell, he still had some very bad throws.  And let's not forget that the ball should have been picked off two to three times; two by San Diego's Linebackers, and one more buy the Chargers' secondary.

2)      The Defense Played GREAT....until the final drive.

Richard Seymour came into Oakland, and had an immediate impact. 

Seymour: 6 tackles, 2 sacks

Greg Ellis: 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 Forced Fumble

Gerard Warren and Trevor Scott: 3 tackles

Ricky Brown and Thomas Howard played Excellent, both having over 7 tackles.

SD's run offense?

LT:  13 for 55.

DS: 9 for 23.

And the Secondary;

Tyvon Branch did a Good job with Antonio Gates.  He really did play him well, except for those 2-3 plays over 20 yards. 9 Tackles.

Chris Johnson also did Really well, defending passes right and left.  8 tackles.

However, than all changed with the Prevent Defense.  It might work in Madden, but this isn't a video game.  Every Raider Fan knows that this cost them the game, and we know that the Raiders should have won the game.

However, let's continue with the key points:

3)      That touchdown called back:  I don't know.  We have to listen to see if the play was called dead.  If it was before the ball lost possession, then we rant.  I don't know; I just don't know. I..really don't.

4)      SD's pro Bowl Lineman were Manhandled.  Two of them hurt with injuries.  That is what Oakland wanted.

5)      Bush-McFadden Works...Well.

Darren McFadden: 17 for 68

Michael Bush: 12 for 55, 1 TD.

Nuff Said.

Now, here's where we pray to (insert which deity(ies) you pray to here) to give us these wishes for the 2009 NFL season:

1)      We need our wide receivers to make their catches.  It's inexcusable.  They get paid for a reason.  There were catches that needed to be made. Let's look at it like this: If the receivers caught 4 more balls than they did today altogether, Oakland would have won.

2)      Jamarcus Needs to throw better.  He really does.  I was hoping that Gradkowski stayed in for the time being, I was.  Russell HAS to be more accurate.  His throwing is what will determine if we win ball games.  Plain and Simple.

3)      We need to pray that the team keeps their head up.  I hear that Richard Seymour looked pissed at the end of the game, and that's the LAST Thing we want as Oakland fans.  This was a tough loss, but we cannot let this define our season.  No more drama.  I'm so serious, no more drama. 

4)      GET RID OF THE PREVENT DEFENSE. Nuff Said.

5)      The running game has to STAY like it is.  We did well with the run today.

6)      Johnnie Lee Higgins: Is he okay? Is he? Please tell me if he is.

7)      Q. Who should be the top three receivers?

A.    Chaz Schilens, Louis Murphy, and Johnnie Lee Higgins.

Who is missing from that bunch?

8)      We need to pray that the team keeps their head up.  I hear that Richard Seymour looked pissed at the end of the game, and that's the LAST Thing we want as Oakland fans.  This was a tough loss, but we cannot let this define our season.  No more drama.  I'm so serious, no more drama. 

(This is up their TWICE for a reason)

9)      Play with this heart EVERY SINGLE GAME.