Well LA T DA!!  THe Dolphins are throwing a wrench in a lot of peoples expectations about who might go #1 overall.

"Apparently content to keep the No. 1 overall pick, the Miami Dolphins have begun discussing contract parameters with at least two players on their short list of candidates to become the draft's top selection.

Official contract negotiations with Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long and Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston were started this week, according to a source.

Long and Gholston are believed to be two of the five prospects the Dolphins have thoroughly investigated in case they don't trade away the top pick in the 2008 NFL draft, which takes place on April 26-27.

Virginia defensive end Chris Long, Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan and LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey are the other potential candidates to be taken first overall.

Negotiating a contract before making the selection could allow the Dolphins to avoid a potentially ugly holdout like the one that took place with the Raiders last year over the No. 1 selection of quarterback JaMarcus Russell."

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/apr/10/dolphins-negotiating-with-pick-possibilities/

Well this just keeps getting better and better the closer we get to the Draft!

The Raiders Biggest Need is TDs, thus....

Al's Mandate is McFadden!!

OakFoSho

It has been reported that the Dolphins are negotiating with Jake Long to take him #1 overall.  This is likely due to the fact that they don't want to pay QB money, and are finding it difficult to work a deal to trade out of the #1 spot to gain desperately needed picks.

I do not believe, as a result of Gallary and the abilities of Cable, that the Raiders would have taken J. Long, so this plays into the Raiders hands as their options are still wide open.

How's this gonna play out as a result?  You all know what I think!!

Al's Mandate is McFadden!!

OakFoSho

So Raider Nation, are you as tired as I am of getting all your one-line Kiff comments from the Media?  Yea, I thought so!  My favorite is the medias use of one line in particular to spin their Raider hating rumors even further than they already have this off season.  The line most used from Kiff's recent interview is.....

"Where there is smoke there is fire!"

Reporters have used this comment to forward all their rumors from the (alleged) resignation letter, to the Rob Ryan situation.  Well, enough is enough.  It's time Raider Nation was allowed to ACTUALLY READ THE TRANSCRIPT of the interview and come to their own conclusions.  Thus Raider Nation, I present to you this link of the Full Transcript for your viewing pleasure.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/04/04/SPQJ1005KG.DTL

My favorite part, obviously for any of you that have paid any attention the last few months, addresses Run DMC.  Supposedly, if you were to believe the Media, Lane has no interest in Run DMC.  However, if you read between the lines, the Raiders interest is made very clear.  Especially when you piece the whole Run DMC part of the interview together. Check this out!

Q: A lot of teams have you picking McFadden at #4. What's your evaluation of him?

A: "Well, he's a phenomenal player. Running back is really not a need for us. As we discussed earlier we have three running backs that rotated for us last year all coming back and then we also have Michael Bush who kind of red-shirted for us this last season."

Q: Will the interest in McFadden help you guys [trade down]?

A: "I don't know that. I think McFadden is a guy a lot of people would like to have. But you really have to have him targeted and know how you want to use him because he's a unique player. To me, he's a unique player. Maybe you have a system where he's not going to fit what you want to do."

Q: How is he unique?

A: "Like I said, we really don't have a need for running back. But looking at McFadden, I think you could spread him out. That's what I would do with him - we did that with Reggie (Bush) some at USC. I'd look at him in that role myself."

Q: Has he answered all the off-field questions?

A: "I think the few instances that he had, those were bad decisions that he made. But what excites me about him, if you were going to pick him, is his football personality. There are no issues on the field. There are no practice issues. This is a tough guy. He's the off-returner on kickoffs and he asked to be there - people don't usually ask to do that when they're in a Heisman race and they're worried about their draft status. They don't want to block for somebody. But that's what excites me about him."

Hello Nation!!  Can you say VERSATILITY!!  Lane basically confirmed my belief that Run DMC will have an impact in every aspect of the game short of defense, and I'm not sure the guy couldn't play safety too! (I kid, I kid.  Just wanted to make sure your still paying attention!)

Remember, Honesty and the NFL Draft don't mix!  It's all about misdirection, and the creation of confusion in your enemies thoughts.  Basically, Lane stating that RB is not a big need means nothing, especially if you have the ability to read between the lines.

The Raiders Biggest Need is TDs!  Thus...

Al's Mandate is McFadden!!

OakFoSho

This is from a blog report at the Sacramento Bee...

"Lane Kiffin told reporters at the NFL Owners Meetings in Florida this week that Darren McFadden was a "phenomenal" player but the Raiders were happy with their running backs.

Nevertheless, the Raiders will get another up-close look at McFadden soon.

The Arkansas running back and consensus top back (well, except for the NFL Network's Mike Mayock) is scheduled to be in Alameda on Monday to meet with team officials.

The team interviewed McFadden at the NFL Scouting Combine in February.

Kiffin said the Raiders' biggest need was on the defensive line, but two of the players the franchise is fond of - Virginia DE Chris Long and LSU DT Glenn Dorsey - aren't likely to be available with the fourth overall pick.

McFadden could be the most explosive back the Raiders have had since Bo Jackson.

Justin Fargas is the workhorse that punishes defenders. Dominic Rhodes is a good change-of-pace back. Michael Bush is another runner that could be a grinder between the tackles.

McFadden has the ability to trouble defenses with his speed that made him one of the most feared weapons in the Southeastern Conference in recent years.

Raiders' owner Al Davis has been disappointed in the Raiders' offense in recent years and is said to be fond of the Arkansas star."

MUHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!  McFadden is Coming!!  Raider Nation: Prepare For Glory!!!

The Raiders Biggest Need is TDs!!  Thus....

Al's Mandate is McFadden!!

OakFoSho

One interesting twist to the Raiders draft plans that I read today that makes a lot of sense is......

Trading down for USC OLB Keith Rivers......

Now I know what you are all saying......

Wow, OakFoSho actually wants someone other than McFadden. Well, I guess you could say that, but I view it as the alternative rather than the preferable pick. I still want McFadden, and will still be very upset if he is not taken at #4, heartbroken in fact, but if the Raiders have to go another route, then Rivers seems like the way to go from my perspective. Now before you get all up in arms, hear me out.

Rivers was the Raider coaching staffs favorite player at the Senior Bowl, and he is predicted to go between the 9th and 12th picks in the Draft. The Raiders could take McFadden (or someone else)in preparation for a trade, or just trade the pick first, and get an extra 3rd or late 2nd rounder, and a second day filler. Rivers would fill an immediate need at a position that has been relatively ignored this off-season (SLB), and would be a little easier on Al's pocketbook.

OK, I know what many of you are thinking, why not just take Gholston as a DE/SLB at #4, and get a better more versatile player. Well, because the Raiders picked up Kalimba to platoon with Richardson at DE, and AkGB is not going to fill the SLB role as some have dreamed. (He is a ST player, thats all) The Raiders could then pick up more quality O-Line or D-Line players with the extra 1st day pick and 2nd day filler.

OK guys, let me have it, let it rip, but keep in mind that this is just my idea of the most acceptable alternative to McFadden if (God Forbid!!) Al does not take hem at #4.

The Raiders biggest need is TDs, thus......

Al's Mandate is McFadden!!

OakFoSho

The Raiders have signed C John Wade. Here is the BSPN press release from John "I hate the Raiders" Clayton.....

"Uncertain whether they would re-sign Jeremy Newberry, last year's starting center, the Raiders signed Bucs starting center John Wade. Terms of the contract weren't available.

Wade lost his job in Tampa Bay when the Bucs signed Jeff Faine to a six-year, $37.5 million contract. The 33-year-old Wade started 106 games for the Bucs and Jaguars in 10 NFL seasons.

Wade spent his first five years in Jacksonville and his last five years in Tampa Bay. He will compete against Jake Grove for the starting job."

- John Clayton, ESPN.com

It looks as though Newberry might not be resigned, but at least Al is continuing to add depth along the O-Line. Here is the scouting report on Wade (from 2008 LDizzle)....

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3322863

If you don't have Insider, this is what it says....

"Wade is an adequate functional athlete for the OC position, with above average initial quickness and average agility. Smart player with good toughness for the position. He has a good understanding of angles and body positions. He displays above average initial quickness to reach the shade or one-tech, but will struggle if he has to extend any further. Above average functional strength due to technique to hold his ground versus NTs. Good inside hand placement to steer and wall off to create a running lane. Above average second level ability, not extremely nimble but does enough to occupy or at least disrupt LB's on the second-level. He sets quickly off pass sets and keeps his head on a swivel. Tall for the OC position, which hinders his ability to anchor versus good bull rushes. Will need help at times to maintain pocket depth with OG. Good awareness versus stunts and games and will ear hole inside rushers when uncovered. Overall, Wade is an adequate functional starter for some NFL teams."

Ata Boy Al, keep addressing needs!

Al's Mandate is McFadden!!

OakFoSho

Apparently the Raiders have signed AkGB, as he is now on their roster.  I did a little digging, and I found this on the Raiders' Website....

"The Oakland Raiders signed free agent linebacker Akbar Gbaja-Biamila on March 28, 2008. Gbaja-Biamila has played in 30 league games since entering the NFL when he was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Raiders in 2003 out of San Diego State. In three pro seasons, Gbaja-Biamila has totaled two sacks for five yards in losses, recovered one fumble and made 22 tackles.

The 6-5, 260-pound Los Angeles native played two seasons for the Raiders in 2003 and 2004. In 27 games for the Silver and Black, Gbaja-Biamila made 15 solo tackles and deflected two passes. In 2006, Gbaja-Biamila played three games for the San Diego Chargers, recording one tackle. In 2007, Gbaja-Biamila was with the Miami Dolphins until he was released on September 11."

Here are the stats from BSPN.....

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6604

Well, this seems like a filler pick up to me. He will probably just play ST, and maybe compete at SLB with that 6-5 260lb frame, but I would not count on that looking at his history. At least Al is showing interest in the only need yet to receive any attention, the SLB position.

Al's Mandate is McFadden

OakFoSho

So, recent FA signings seem to have put the Raiders in excellent position to draft Run DMC.  Many in Raider nation are distraught by this reality, and scream to high heaven that the back field is already full, especially with Bush ready to compete.  

Well, lets look at Bush vs. Run DMC, and make a decision based on logic, reason, and stats, rather than biased personal feelings (Me Included!) about either...

Mike Bush (Louisville Cardinals-Big East)
2004 -- 132/734/5.6 rush -- 11/15514.1 rec
2005 -- 205/1143/5.6 rush -- 21/253/12.0 rec

Run DMC (Arkansas Razorbacks-SEC)
2005 -- 176/1113/6.3 rush -- 14/52/3.7 rec
2006 -- 284/1647/5.8 rush -- 11/149/13.5 rec
2007 -- 325/1830/5.6 rush -- 21/164/7.8 rec

1. Run DMC's rush ave, and ave. attempts, are higher on a yearly basis. I'm not doing college career totals cause Bush did not make it through 3 seasons as he was injured in the first game of 2006.
2. Run DMC got less action in the passing game in college because he was the QB a huge percentage of the time.
3. McFadden is faster, as 4.33 (4.27 say some sources) proves.
4. McFadden is more versatile (PR, KR, Slot WR, RB, 3rd QB), while Bush is just a RB.
5. Bush has had a serious leg injury, Run DMC has not.
6. Bush had Brian Brohm (HUGE FACTOR!!) as a QB. He picked apart secondaries, and made the running game open up for Bush. Run DMC was the whole show. Stop him, and you stop the Hogs!
7. On top of all this, Run DMC played in the SEC. Bush played in the Big East. Run DMC played LSU, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida Auburn Etc.Etc., and Bush played Rutgers, Cincinati, West Virginia. and Connecticut, Etc., Etc.

First off, here comes a shocker....

I do not believe that Run DMC is an every down back in the NFL, at least not in his first couple seasons. I know this sounds like a surprise coming from the biggest McFadden supporter on this blog, but only if you have failed to really catch the crux of my argument in his favor.

Value and Versatility!

Don't get me wrong, long after Fargas and Rhodes are gone, I believe Bush and mcFadden will be the deadliest combo in the NFL, and Bush will get a majority of the carries.  However, Run DMC will impact the game in so many more ways than Bush.

Many on this blog fail to consider the TRUE value that McFadden gives the Raiders, so I will spell it out for you nice and clearly one last time....

McFadden has the ability to take it to the house on any given play, at any given time that the Raiders have possession of the football, Offense (RB, Slot/Motion WR), and Special Teams (PR, KR). There is no other player in this draft that can make that claim. PERIOD!!

Sure, I would like to have C. Long, not because he is a better player or because he would have a bigger impact than Run DMC, but because I'm sentimental and because one of the Raiders' biggest needs at this point in time is DE! (though Kalimba fills Clemons' void nicely)

But lets face it, this ain't gonna happen!! C. Long will be gone, and no other player, regardless of need, can tempt Al away from McFadden, especially if C. Long is off the board, and rightly so.

In conclusion.....

Al's Mandate is McFadden!!

OakFoSho

Here is the info on Kalimba,

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/players/scouting?statsId=5921

For those of you that don't have BSPN Insider this is what it says.....

"Edwards has a very good combination of speed and athleticism. He has fluid change-of-direction skills, explosive burst and an impressive motor. He continues to develop his awareness. He is a pure speed rusher who also has the ability to drop into a zone or even play some man-to-man. He has great snap anticipation and an explosive first step. He immediately puts an offensive tackle on his heels. He has the speed to accelerate in a high arc, squeezing the pocket and closing on the quarterback quickly. He has a strong up-and-under counter when a tackle overplays his outside rush. He plays with leverage against the run and has good functional strength for his size. He battles and has reasonable success at the point of attack. He is excellent in pursuit and makes many plays from the back side. But Edwards is undersized. He gets engulfed or overpowered too often. He can be undisciplined, running around blocks and opening up holes in the defense. He sometimes plays too upright and can be knocked off course by a powerful swat. His work ethic has been questioned at times."

Basically, the Raiders are trying to find another Clemons like they did last season. Add Kalimba to Jay Richardson, and the Raiders appear to be set at RE.  Kalimba seems great against the pass, and Richardson's strength is against the run.  This will create competition at RE, and may the best man win the job.

For those of you thinking Al is not trying to set the team up for taking McFadden, your argument not holds even less weight. Frankly, its become obvious!  Al has now attempted to fill all the Raiders needs through FA or by resigning players.

LT: Kwame Harris (to compete with Henderson)
RT: Cornell Green (to compete with McQuistan)
WR: Javon and Carter (to play with Curry)
DT: Kelly (backed up by Warren) and Joseph (to back up Sands)
RE: Kalimba (to compete with Richardson)
SS: Gibril (thus moving Huff to FS)
CB: Hall (to pair with Nnamdi)
[editor's note, by OakFoSho] SLB: Akbar Gbaja-Biamila (to compete with Thomas, Williams and Isaiah Ekejiuba)

The only need that Al has not yet attempted to fill via FA is SLB, and I'm sure thats coming via FA or the 2nd day of the draft.

Update [2008-3-30 3:49:38 by OakFoSho]: Akbar Gbaja-Biamila has signed with the Raiders to compete at SLB/DE. Check the Dairy entry for details.

Al realized that C. Long would not be on the board, and thus has done everything to prepare himself to take McFadden. (Especially after the workout he had a couple days ago.  So much for the fact that Run DMC has no lateral movement or change of direction, as he set all the fastest times for RBs in all agility drills.)

Al's mandate is McFadden!!

OakFoSho

Recently, as in the past 6 months, the Raiders have been subject to many rediculous rumors. One after another these rumors present themselves like a virus that is spreading throughout the Sports Writing community.  Where do these rumors start, and what is the logic behind their creation.  My answer is simple, George Bush!  Check my logic...... The Raiders are essentially the NFLs version of the Gestapo.  Things appear to go inside, but nothing ever seems to get out.  The Raiders are undeniably anti-media, and who could blame them.  However, this presents a serious problem for the sports writing community.  How are they supposed to do their job, if the Raiders won't let them?  The answer, Rumor Monger!

Sports writers create Raider rumors (about Kiff, Al, J Money, it doesn't matter!) in an attempt to get the organization to respond, and thus present some real information to be reported, however limited.

This angle has worked twice, by my count, this off-season.  Kiff had to come out and deny rumors that he was dancing, cause his wife was pissed as he had not taken her dancing in years.  Seriously!  You know the rumor mongering has gone too far, when a Coach has to deny a part of that rumor for his marriage's sake.  The second time this tactic worked was with J Money supposedly being 300 lbs.  The Raiders came out quickly to defend J Money, and I am happy they did, as that kid does not deserve to be messed with this early in his career.

When this angle doesn't work and the Raiders don't respond (most of the time), the sports writers then assume (making an ass of you and me!) the rumor is true.

Well Raider Nation, this is George Bush Logic!  Saddam Husein supposedly had WMD.  Hans Blix, and other UN inspectors, are sent in to attempt to confirm that WMD is in Iraq.  This confirmation cannot be made, as no WMD are found.  Saddam Husein, who thinks the outsiders' (USA, Iran, etc.) belief that he has WMD is a good thing, does nothing to refute Bush's claim that Saddam in fact has WMD.  Thus, Saddam has WMD.  Right?

Wrong, and 4000 dead Americans can attest to the worthless nature of this logic.  Sure, Saddam was a horrible person and should rot in Hell, but that doesn't take away from the fact that he was overthrown on shitty logic.  The same logic in fact, that is used in an attempt to pigeon hole the Raiders as the worst, most dysfunctional franchise in the NFL!  Nuff Said!

Go Raiders!  In Kiff we Trust!!  I'm Still In!!!

OakFoSho

Besides who Al will draft in the first round, kinda...

Who can come up with the best Raider draft slogan for 2008?

I've already coined a couple in the past few weeks...

Al's Mandate is McFadden!

or....

Raider silence is Gholston!

or....

Legends of the Long Fall!

Come on guys, get creative, and maybe I will dub you winner!! (Oh Boy!)

Go Raiders!  In Kiff we Trust!!  I'm Still In!!!

OakFoSho

I wanted to set the record straight regarding the Raiders Salary Cap in 2008, as apparently most of the Raider Nation is confused as to where the Raiders stand.  ESPN reports anything negative they can about the Raiders, including the fact that the Raiders are 19 million over the cap! (Thanks John Clayton!) Well folks, it simply isn't so!

I have scoured the internet, and have found some sources stating that the Raiders are over the Cap, while others state the Raiders are under.  Lets take a look at two of these listings, and let the members of The Nation decide for themselves.

PFT has a listing of adjusted Cap numbers for all 32 NFL teams as of March 16th.  Now concidering the rediculous Raider rumor mongers employed by PFT, I tend to look at anything on the site with a highly skeptical eye.  Nevertheless, they have Al Davis shelling out 121,070,000 smackers.  Thats 5,070,000 over the cap.

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/03/16/team-by-team-adjusted-cap-numbers/

Nancy "Uber Rumor Monger" Gay reported that the Raiders are actually 4.6 mil UNDER the Cap.  However, this number is clouded by the fact that only the top 51 player salaries in the off-season count toward the cap limit. During the regular season, all contracts count toward the cap.  So in fact, the Raiders, if counting all players under contract, could indeed be over the Cap.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/03/21/SP0FVNFGS.DTL

There are some things we should keep in mind when trying to discern the Raiders Salary Cap situation.  One, the Raiders reportedly restructured the deal of quarterback JaMarcus Russell in a way that lowers his base salary each of the next four seasons in exchange for activating a $19.905 million option bonus.

http://origin.insidebayarea.com/turn2/ci_8638410

This move should bring down the Raiders Cap tremendously.  Subtract further the Cap savings from the probable long term contract for Nnamdi Asomugha, and the Raiders should then be under the Cap.  Thats just two of many moves to be played out before the season starts.  

For example, Lamont Jordan will be traded, or cut.  With the Arrival of Hall, it appears Fabian could be out the door.    The Big Terd, Terdell Sands, could also be cut if he does not show some serious improvement in Camp, or his contract could be restructured.  Gerrard Warren could be traded, or restructured, as he will likely back up Kelly, and is making a crap load of money.

In my opinion, who gets cut will depend largely upon whom the Raiders pick at #4.  If the Raiders luck out and get C. Long, settle for Gholston, or Al does what Al does and takes McFadden, then the Cuts/Trades at DT may not extend beyond one player.  If McFadden is taken, then Lamont will not be the only back leaving Oakland(Paging Dominic Rhodes!). If the Raiders draft DT, a move I am highly skeptical of due to the load of money already invested in the position, then expect the cuts/trades at DT to get nasty.  Sands, Warren, Joseph; SEE YA!

So basically Raider Nation, Al Davis will work it out. Al has money due to recently dealing an ownership stake in the Raiders. He is using that money, 150-160 mil, to acquire talent that he feels the team desperately needs. He is alleviating cap problems by giving huge signing bonuses, and restructuring contracts using the money he got from the ownership stake he sold.

As a result, the Raiders, and Al Davis are risking a lot on these players. Al is essentially giving some of these players, like Hall, a large portion of the money up front, trusting that they'll play hard and be good Raiders throughout the life of their contracts. With others, Al is back-loading the contracts in an attempt to soften the financial load now, and reduce the financial risk of injuries to injury prone players.  Al can possibly restructure, ala Rhodes, or cut the players contracts down the line a couple years from now if they don't work out.

As a die hard fan, I hope and pray, and buy into the fact (as any true member of Raider Nation has the right!), that Al will be correct, and these moves will pan out. The Cap will be manageable, and the Raiders don't appear handcuffed, in that they still appear to have a little leeway to sign a key piece down the line.

As a result of this possible cap leeway, there are still two FAs that could really help the Raiders, and might not cost that much. These two players would also answer two needs that many here believe to be important, myself included.

Roosevelt Colvin -- OLB/DE

I know, I know, he's a hated former Patriot, but Al dealt with the Donkeys last season for Warren, so anything is possible. I know, I know, he has played mainly as a 3/4 LB/DE, but he is experienced enough, and has the size to excel at a strictly SLB role in the 4/3. The Raiders already have two standout LBs, and Roosevelt's only job would be to crash the backfield, and create havoc. Run or Pass, hes coming to get some, especially with the awesome DB coverage behind him.

Grady Jackson -- DT

If Grady can come back and re-harness some of that ability at NT, the Raiders would be in great shape. Hell, I would bring him in, have him compete with Sands and Joseph at NT, and then cut the odd man out. Competition never hurt anybody, and I would not mind seeing Grady Jackson as a Raider for one last run, if affordable, that is.

I hope all this was informative!  I know it was long, so give yourself a pat on the back as you are now likely more Raider Salary Cap educated then the next Raider fan!

Spread the Word, Al's Mandate is McFadden!

OakFoSho

The Raiders CB position is the most demanding in the NFL! Period!

Playing CB in the NFL is like playing on an Island.  Playing CB in OAKLAND, is like playing on an island in the middle of the pacific, during Typhoon Season.  It requires a special type of person; a person with absolute confidence in himself.  In his mind he is the best in the league, BAR NONE! CB in Oakland is not just a position, ITS AN ATTITUDE!

There is a simple truth about playing CB in Oakland.  You will pass or you will fail; there is no in-between, no semblance of any real safety help, no plays off, and certainly no Wussy Tampa-2!!  

(Disclaimer: The Tampa-2 is a proven Super Bowl winner, but from an elite CB standpoint, the Tampa-2 is for 2nd tier CBs that can't hack it in Oakland)

With that said, when elite CBs come to Oakland, they know exactly what they're getting themselves into, the most demanding position in the NFL.

So, welcome to Oakland Hall, as you now have the opportunity to prove your worth in this league, and succeed in Oakland.  It takes serious balls to accept the Raider CB challenge, now lets see what you got, other than Al's money.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you have not read Chris Carr's recent quotes while visiting the Bills, here they are, and the link.....

"Personally, I wanted to get out of Oakland. I just want a change and a shot to go somewhere else and prove that I can play," he said. "I'm possibly a starting corner or possibly a starting nickelback."

"I met with the [Bills] defensive coordinator for a while and I like the scheme. They play some man-to-man and some Tampa-2 coverage. Out in Oakland I played man-to-man pretty much every single play. But I like this scheme where they mix up some cover-two."

http://www.journal-register.co.....d=topstory

The Raiders have seven days to match any offer given for Carr, and I can't believe that will be much, though I'm not sure the Raiders would want him back anyway.

In my opinion, Carr was OK (if I'm being kind!) as a Raider. He had some decent kick returns, kept a good average, but never scored a Special Teams TD. He did have a 99 yard int TD (or was it 100 yards?),  but you know your not an integral part of a team when people can only remember you having one good play.

If he's cheap, the Raiders could keep him around to play special teams, but Hall should be returning punts, (and dare I say McFadden could be returning Kick-Offs!) so his role would probably be on coverage teams and as a fourth or fifth CB. (All he's really good for anyways!)

Carr complains about having to play Man-Coverage every play in Oakland.  Well, that's because Carr is not a great CB, he's just OK.  CBs that are just OK aren't good enough to excel in the Raiders system.  Thus, Carr needs the Tampa-2, as he states, to succeed as a possible starter in the NFL.

Carr does not have the skill, ability, passion, or attitude necessary to play CB in Oakland.  So, if the Bills want to pay Carr a bunch of money, then so be it, especially after these comments.

OakFoSho

It is widely known throughout the NFL that the Donkey O-Line is dirty.  The only proof that is needed, is the disproportionate number of injuries as a result of the dirty Donkey OL.

Let me make this very clear, I am not just accusing specific players of being dirty, but the OL culture as a whole in Donkey land.  Donkey fans will cry "No, this just isn't true," but the truth hurts when it slaps you in the face.

Below is a list of just a few of the injuries caused by the "Dirty Donkeys", as I have dubbed their OL, since the year 2000.  TRUST ME, this list could be longer, but I will spare my readers the tedious adventure that would be....

Oct. 25, 2004: Cincinnati defensive tackle Tony Williams suffered a broken ankle when illegally cut blocked by Broncos right tackle George Foster.

Sept. 19, 2004: Jacksonville defensive end Paul Spicer suffered a broken leg on a low cut by Broncos left tackle Matt Lepsis.

Dec. 1, 2002: San Diego defensive tackle Jamal Williams suffered a dislocated ankle when blocked from behind by Broncos guard Steve Herndon.  Denver's Herndon, Shanahan Apologize To Chargers' Williams:

(http://www.cbssprtsline.com/nfl/story/5981625)

Oct. 28, 2001: New England linebacker Bryan Cox suffered a broken leg on a play involving Broncos right guard Dan Neil. Cox said he was chop blocked in the back of his leg by Neil; Neil denied hitting Cox.  Broncos' Neil Fined for chop on Patriots' Cox - Breaks Cox's Leg

(http://espn.go.com/nfl/columns/clayton_john/1272089.html)

Oct. 21, 2001: San Diego defensive lineman Maa Tanuvasa suffered a broken ankle on a cut block by Lepsis.

2001: (I could not find the exact date) Neil was fined $52,941.18 - the equivalent of one game check - for two leg whips against the Oakland Raiders in a Monday night game.

On top of all these, and there are many more, one memorable incident happened in 2006 as the Chargers Igor Olshanski can attest....

November, 2006: Denver Broncos center Tom Nalen has been fined $25,000 by the NFL for a cut block on San Diego's Igor Olshansky in the final minute of the Sunday night's loss to the San Diego Chargers.

True, Olshansky did get tossed for throwing a punch after the fact, but what would you do if some dirty bastard tried to end your career.

Check out this Sports illustrated article from 2004.  Beautiful when the truth is right in front of you.  

"Broncos Have the Dirtiest Players - 3 in Top 10"

(http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/players/10/12/poll.dirtiest/)

And yet, Donkey fans will still scream "No, this is not the truth, its just the Zone Blocking scheme.  You people are just mad cause were always one of the best running teams in the NFL!"

Ahh yes, the ZB scheme!  There are several other teams around the NFL that currently run, or have run, the ZB scheme.  The Falcons, the Texans, and as of 2007, the Raiders!  Yet the only team that is consistently singed out as dirty, is the Donkeys.  Even with Atlanta leading the league in rushing in 2004, 2005, and 2006, it was still the Donkeys that were dirty.

Sure, the Raiders have had their share of penalties, but thats more stupidity and a lack of focus than anything else. No, penalties cannot be confused with dirty play. Rather, senseless career threatening injuries, and a whole lot of 'um, are the true test.  And what this laundry list of injuries tells us, is the Donkey OL is dirty!

Go Raiders!!  In Kiff We Trust!!  I'm Still In!!

OakFoSho