angelesoterica
Mar 21, 2010 Jun 01, 2012 31 799
raider fan since birth. nuff said
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Mild Complaints and Important People
by angelesoterica on May 31, 2012 2:47 PM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
Death Ro options
by angelesoterica on May 21, 2012 3:01 PM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
Who should Raiders trade?
by angelesoterica on May 4, 2012 9:29 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
OFFTOPIC-Somewhat. Screen name stories
by angelesoterica on Apr 27, 2012 9:56 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
Anyone else noticing the RB trend?
by angelesoterica on Apr 25, 2012 12:24 PM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
I'm back (Again. We are getting aggravated)
by angelesoterica on Apr 1, 2012 7:43 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
After multiple issues with a certain "new" computer and a dispute with my now former ISP I have finally returned from the darkness. It has sincerely sucked not being able to commiserate with fellow Raider fans after a FacePalmer int once again has me spilling my Widmer Drop Top Amber Ale while screaming bloody murder. But I have missed so much since I have been gone. Perhaps a brief recap will be permitted.
1. Those "Raiders" who finally departed. I am speaking about Mr Glass (Chaz Schilens), Stanford (Perennially) Routt(ed), and Ricky (how in the holy hell are you on a roster? Seriously? Did the late Al Davis lose a bet?) Brown. Looking at the roster and not seeing those names was better than winning the MegaMillions(TM) jackpot. And I got twenty bucks off that. Perhaps my atheistic/agnostic stance might be reconsidered.
2. Bye Baby Huey. I had some mixed feelings about the bold move Mack-10 McKensie made in the first hour but now appreciate it. Raider Nation needs a leader with some stones who is unafraid to piss people off. Now if someone, anyone on the roster outside of Richard Seymour would PLEASE step up to fill that role I would be ecstatic.
3. Welcome Dennis Allen. I'm sure my father heard "Raiders hire Dennis.." and for a brief moment thought Dennis Green (yeah, THAT guy) was the new coach and was happier than the proverbial pig in...Well, you know. So once again, the Raider roster must relearn a new scheme on offense and defense. Perhaps the new guys on defense will teach the valuable lesson of tackling and not being a complete idiot. That might help. Just a tad.
4. No more Bush and Campbell. We will miss Michael Bush and his ability to stay healthy and run hard up the middle. You embodied what the Nation loved about this team and you will be missed. As for the man I had dubbed Son of Ja, I feel that I wronged him by bestowing that name on him. He grew on me, and I think more than a few former Bruce Gradkowski fans as well. I will love watching you beat out Jay Cutlet.
I'm sure I've missed more. Now since there may/may not be a deity "up there" listening, a few more prayers to be answered.
1. Draft Killer Kellen Moore.
2. Smite Tebow. He's stealing your mojo. And it's been too long since someone has been smited. Or smote. I don't know the proper past tense for smite. I used English class for rolling joints and writing songs about adolescent angst.
3. Super bowl championship. I refuse to reduce myself to the level of a Browns fan and beg for playoffs or a winning record.
4, Oh yeah. I'm getting married. Can you make hunting season start either a week earlier or a week later than the wedding day? I don't want my brother's cologne to be doe-in-estrus or something like that.
The End of Hyphen-Nation
by angelesoterica on Nov 15, 2011 1:32 PM EST
on Silver And Black Pride
Snakebit.
It's a term I use often, usually referring to myself. It's often used in sports to describe a rash of bad luck. Consider one time Raider Daunte Culpepper. A man who was out of football when the lowly Detroit Lions gave him a call, asking him to be their QB so their daisy fresh rookie, the number one overall pick, could sit behind him and learn the ropes of NFL quarterbacking. He was well on his way to winning the job when, shortly before the season started, he cut his toe open, requiring several stitches, on carpeting.
Snakebit.
The career path of Darrius Heyward-Bey seems to be following a twisted path of picking the wrong QB to take reps with, minor injuries, and the burden of being a first round pick who hasn't metamorphosed into the second coming of Tim Brown yet. His sudden benching for TJ Houshmandzadehcalifragilisticexpealodocious by one Hue Jackson is purportedly for Carson Palmer's sake, but it is my not-so-humble opinion that Hue Jackson has decided that the Hyphen is not going to be an Oakland Raider beyond this season.
Let's hit the wayback machine, shall we? The Raiders were going to draft a WR that year. The Nation was clamoring for a pretty lil' thang from Texas Tech who made sportscenter(TM) with an upset special touchdown catch named Michael Crabtree. Hey, I'll admit it, I was screaming for him as well. Other people from the aforementioned teevee were predicting a burner from Mizzou who looked like Steve Urkel but ran like Usain Bolt named Jeremy Maclin. There were other, prideful Bay Area sports fans who said we should spend a 2nd rounder on a Cal bear who wasn't tall but made plays named DeSean Jackson. But this is, after all, the Raiders. Al Davis chose the speedy Maryland product named Darrius Heyward-Bey. When I heard the name called on draft day, my immediate thought was, "who in the (hell) is this (person)?"
I use a plethora of profanities, I'm censoring for the easily offended.
I can't honestly remember much of his rookie year. I vaguely recall the phrase "turf toe" being used a ton in association with him. On a side note, WTF is turf toe? I do recall he signed rather quickly, while the receiver we (I included) desired held out, demanding Number 1 money. Maclin kept getting mono, which I'm guessing he got from that one chick that "got around" Eagles camp. DeSean Jackson blossomed into a playmaker. Ja**** was our QB. Ugh, my brain hurts from all this thinking stuff, I'm fast forwarding to last year.
The carcass was on his way out, and a dude named Bruce was looking like the guy. The Hyphen, sensing the impatience of Raider Nation, decided to work out in the offseason with Bruce, getting familiar with a guy who could actually throw the ball to him for a change. Finally, he could break out and show the fans he could play. He was tired of the "DropsHellaBalls" moniker, and finally putting in extra time. Then the one and only Al Davis pulled a draft day trade for Jason Campbell and promptly wasted a ton of rhythm the Hyphen had built up. Now he had to figure out if Campbell, the next next next next Jim Plunkett (there's been a few), would win the QB job. There was a battle, after JC stunk it up a ton in the beginning, and when Bruce was in, the Hyphen knew he would be targeted. JC decided to go steady with Zach Miller, and Darrius disappeared often in games.
Okay, he decided this offseason. Bruce ain't gettin signed, Jason's my QB, Hue's my coach, might as well spend time with Jason gettin my reps, working on run blocking for Dmac, doing all the little things that'll make this team playoff worthy. The season started off good, and DHB was finally turning into the receiver I'd hoped he would turn into. Enter broken collarbone for Jason Campbell. Well Kyle is a giant pile of (insert your fave nastiness here) and no way was the Hyphen gonna see too may passes, but hey, can run block for Dmac, catch a few balls every now and then.
Enter Carson Palmer, via trade.
I firmly believe that Heyward-Bey needs those extra reps with his QB. He's a rhythm reciever. And for the record, I don't care in the slightest how he catches it, be it with hands, body or even helmet. It's better that he catches it with his body than straight drops it. But Hue has decided that he is expendable. Proof? We are now going with Ford, Moore, and Housh-oh-hell-i-give-up-you-spell-it as the third. Now the blind can pretend that oh, it's just until Carson develops with him, then he'll be alright. If you believe that, I've got some Arizona oceanfront to sell you. But Hue is building the team around his guys, and unfortunately for Hyphen-Nation, he's not one.
Night is darkest just before dawn
by angelesoterica on Nov 6, 2011 10:33 AM EST
on Silver And Black Pride
I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past me I will turn to see fear's path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
There should be a science of discontent. People need hard times and oppression to build psychic muscles.
-Frank Herbert, from the novel "Dune"
These particular quotes have been helpful. I've had a particularly bad run as of late. Never mind the stunner in KC, my first loss of the fantasy season, the onset of a wonderfully horrible cold that still swells my throat and causes perennial hacking of a sick nature. I'm sounding like Steven Wright, without the exaggerated voice inflections. Last weekend, after a long road run out of town, I came home, consumed "Capital N, small y, BIG F**KING Q!!" like it was Jager, and passed out Friday night. Awaking Saturday afternoon (like I said, sick as a dog) I decided to have my morning smoke, per usual, on my front deck. I'd barely exhaled my first drag when I noticed my domelight in my Beamer was hanging by the wires.
Mother. F**KER.
I ran to the car, checking everything out. Some roof paneling was torn, a few tools jacked, nothing major. I guess there's a benefit to having the CD changer in the trunk. (side note on the car: battery's dead, blew the head gasket last year, finances haven't allowed it to be repaired yet) I turned my attention to the Beater, a T-10 Blazer that hasn't looked good in years but runs somehow. Some papers tossed out, though they were considerate enough to leave the ticket I'd gotten Friday morning on the seat in prime viewing condition. They did take a toolbox from the truck, filled with a couple sharpies, some highlighters, and sticky tags. I guess maybe methheads need that stuff for cooking it or some other crap. And on top of that, Halloween sucked, and that's the only holiday I celebrate.
The "police" were called, and as expected, didn't show up. Some SCOPE guy (a retiree who wanted to be a cop) showed up the following Tuesday with a freshman in high school to do fingerprinting. Since it had rained at least twice, they found nothing. What could I do but take the Beater to work, out of town, and pray that it snowed like crazy so idiot thieves didn't mess my car up even more?
There IS a point to all of this personal crap relating to THE Oakland Raiders.
Today is Sunday. And I get to actually SEE the Raiders play for the first time since the thriller against Buffalo, for which I only saw the 4th quarter. I am not blocked by Rodeos, Golf HIGHLIGHTS(#@**$&???) and the damned Seahawks. The Raiders are 2-0 when I see or hear the entire game. And with the Thursday night game, I can watch them twice in 4 days. My birthday isn't till the 13th, but this is an early present. And while we should not look past the Broncos, what with Te-bowtomeyouworthlessfools somehow being able to part seas but unable to elude slow-footed defenders, I am sensing a weary Rivers, being pummeled after giving the chefs an early xmas present, just out of gas after the Pack puts a beatdown on him.
Other thoughts on the state of Raider Nation:
Erik Pears Award: This is Kyle Boller's award to lose. In all seriousness, he makes me yearn for his morbidly obese predecessor, which is actually making me physically ill. I need mouthwash, or perhaps high octane racing fuel.
Hagan cut, Housh added: Mixed feelings. I'd assumed we'd kept Mr glass due to the fact he was already on injured reserve. I was surprised when a week went by and he wasn't injured. But he's back in form, hurt due to some butterfly in Toyko farting west instead of east. Perhaps Hagan will resign when Mr glass inevitably goes home to IR.
The Carson Show: I hope he's worth it. Damn it all to hell, we can't get Killer Kellen Moore now. Let us hope he is more 2006 than 2010. I had really come around to Jason Campbell after dubbing him Son of Ja last year. I feel it only apropos to dub Carson's fail name: FACEPALMER. You don't earn my love until you prove it, dude. At least show some damned fire.
Side question: Does anyone know if Lito Sheppard has a Hue connect, outside of TC?
Prediction: If you're getting sloppy seconds, might as well follow Detroit. Raiders win ugly, 22-16. Tim Tebow disappears after game, found in New Orleans, enjoying "big city livin', and a voodoo woman named Phyllis". John Elway inserts self as starter for following week.
Enjoy ripping, as always.
What TRUE Raider fans feel about Al Davis-my story
by angelesoterica on Oct 15, 2011 3:10 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
My phone buzzed, waking me from my near slumber. I work nights, and hate when a text wakes me up. It's my little bro, a Dolphins fan who did 2 tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. He's out now, working for a train company. His days off don't match with mine, so naturally it's nice to hear from him.
"I guess the Raiders are gonna be good now," the text read.
WTF? Did we get a QB? A stud #1 WR? Did Jesus appear in a waffle at an IHOP near Oakland?
"Al Davis died" was the reply.
I inhaled deeply, hoping it was some damned hoax, or a really dumb joke. Brothers are known to do that sort of thing. He confirmed seeing it on ESPN. I resided in denial, hoping it was wishful thinking by Adam Shitforbrains, or some unusual memo went out accidentally. I had no net or tv (comcast can *************) so I waited until the following day, purchased a paper and there it was, a large story relegated to C10 near the back of the sports section.
***SIDE NOTE-In every city there is some sort of regional/living section with the advice and horoscopes, and some asshat editor guy who thinks he's inherently funny when he's just really bitter that the serious investigative stories went to the guy who actually paid attention in journalism school. In Spokane, this asshole is named Doug Clark. He made a comment about how, when watching coverage about Al Davis, people tended to overexaggerate the impact of people who just died. While this may be a truism, it is not so in the case of Al, and Mr Clark can rectally enjoy the services of a ten foot serrated blade****
I still can't believe it.
I am emotionally numb still. The Raiders get Aaron Curry, and everyone thinks "Al Davis did that". Al collected former first rounders like kids collected baseball cards. There was talent there once, he must have thought. There will be talent there again. Sometimes it worked, and a player would turn into a productive piece, as Jason Campbell is proving now. Sometimes it failed. But he took risks few others did, and Raider Nation rejoiced as other teams would resign to rebuilding while the Raiders reloaded. Too mean, too nasty, too old? Head to the Raiders, where you could never be too mean, too nasty, too old.
Give us your deviants, miscreants, malcontents and fuckups. The guys who didn't work out for you. Here they are wanted. Here they are valued. Here they are needed. We are the rebels and we shall defeat you. Because we have nothing to lose.
Al Davis is gone. He was a genius, innovator, and penultimate badass. He made this game we love the way it is today, and the world is emptier because of his departure.
Any "fans dancing on his grave", as certain know-nothings have suggested, can do things best reserved for sites elsewhere on the internet that require a credit card for age verification purposes. I heard they're most likely in German. These same "fans" are probably wannabe pussy punk gangster anyways.
Back again for the first time!!
by angelesoterica on Sep 11, 2011 10:17 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
So very nice to be back.
I sat down to type something last year when my monitor on the ancient dinosaur of a computer I was using suddenly went dark. Smoke rose from the vents, and this Raider diehard was soon mimicking the monitor, save the fact that it was red that I saw.
Breathe, man. Breathe, dog.
A person such as myself doesn't spend money unless absolutely necessary. So after a few weeks I found a monitor. Something that was as old as the fossil that I relied on. But it worked. And I don't need fancy. I need functional. So finally, after such time had passed, I could at least join in the rancor about the draft.
Then Lucy yanked the football away, and down went Charlie.
The dinosaur finally chose extinction over being humiliated at how far behind the times it was. The utterly powerful 893mhz (yes, that is correct) went down in flames. Not as literally as the monitor. It just decided that being on wasn't its thing. And lacking a smartphone (my phone is dumb. Literally. The other night it was kind enough to dial 911.) I had no access to the "internets," as they say.
I enjoyed my stint untethered to the web. Did some fishing, worked hard, got caught up on some much needed housework, etc., etc. It was quite liberating. I highly recommend trying it. During the offseason, of course.
And now thanks to a loving girlfriend (also recommended) and the wonderful world of financial luck, I am able to give my uninfomed, highly Raider-biased opinions with the rest of you all.
I've missed out on a lot so, Cliff's Notes version of my opinions on offseason moves.
1. Cable gone/Jackson in: Saw this one coming. Hip hip hooray? Probably lost it just on that.
2. Nnamdi gone: Sad to see him go. Hoping that Raiders don't become a Rays/A's team that grows guys and watches them go elsewhere to win.
3. Draft class: Seymour was the 1st round pick, in essence. Win that one. Like Wisniewski and the WR's. After watching DVD, am very leery. He needs to improve rapidly.
4. The Pryor Pick: Do not like it. At all.
5. Season prediction: 9-7 wild card. Anything less is failure.
Guys who need to take it up to the next level:
DHB-If he doesn't break through this year, he never will. 80 catches or a thousand yards. Either would make me happy.
Routt/CJ-With Nnamdi gone, we will be tested. Both guys will have chances to get picks. One may emerge as the shutdown guy.
QG-Currently the weak link in the LB chain. Death Ro is going to be the man for a long time, Wimbley was a nice surprise last year. Groves was the only guy who was not up to snuff.
So far I haven't discovered my Erik Pears this year, the guy who I want to go NOW, preferably yesterday. Mr. Glass, aka Chaz Schilens, may slot in here due to the fact that if a flea farts, he's out 6 weeks. DVD is getting a pass right now because all I've seen is preseason and he's a rookie.
Enjoy shredding this. I will.
The Brutal Truth and Trauma Room Surgery
by angelesoterica on Dec 2, 2010 7:03 AM EST
on Silver And Black Pride
"There should be a science of discontent. People need hard times and oppresion to develop psychic muscles." -Dune
I've been reading this book a lot lately. I've needed to drift off into space, considering how bad the Raiders have been since the bye. Apparently, a balanced offense has gone the way of the dodo (apologies, I'm fully aware it's an overused cliche) and Darren McFadden has been disappeared so that we can determine which one of our quarterbacks suck less. Jacoby Ford is disproving my "anything starting with Ja- automatically sucks" theory. Darrius Heyward-Bey, well, Occasionally Ever-Plays. Louis Murphy is suffering from the sophomore slump. And if I dare to dwell on the offensive line, there's a good chance I will end up on COPS screaming obscenities at the police. Actually, knowing the cops around here, I'd most likely get tased to death or shot multiple times. For pete's sake, they tased a flippin COW. To death. I am not even kidding. Don't you just love when mindless bloggers go off on tangents unrelated to the original point? Forgive me.
Anyways, this team needs to perform triage on this sucking chest wound that is the Oakland Raiders. We could easily go redefeated (is that a word?) over these next 5 games. All 3 divisional games plus Indy and Jacksonville are what lies before us. We must win at least 2 games for this season to not go down in sheer disappointment. That's 7-9 for the season, thus ending the suckfest and turning it into the mediocre bowl, also known as the Humanitarian Bowl. At least that's what they call it in college. 2-3 over 5 games.
To salvage something out of what's left of this season, I've decided to propose some easily makeable changes that will, if nothing else, give us a look at what we might become.
1. Install Bruce Campbell at RT
Oh where, oh where, has my boomstick gone? Stuck on the depth chart behind someone, I guess. But the current starter, Langston Walker, is getting outrun in pass protection. He was good last year, when he was a guard. He can't handle the outside rushers, the speed guys. With Freeney/Mathis looming large on the schedule and his job on the line, Tom Cable needs to play this guy. Sure, I was against this early on, but the other options are Mario Henderson (blocked himself out of a job) and Khalif Barnes (busy catching TDs in practice??).
2. Install Daniel Loper at RG
When Robert Gallery went down early in the season, most of us (excepting the much respected LAP) simply assumed we would fall hard, season's over, end of story. Then Loper, a Lions castoff of all people, stepped in and stepped up. And while he wasn't spectacular, he was solid. And in some cases, that's all you need. Our right side is a clusterf**k, and Cooper Carlisle isn't the answer.
3. Pick a horse, and ride him like a show pony
Bruce Gradkowski. Jason Campbell. Kyle Boller (ugh). Orange Darth Donkey show guy. Pick him and stick him in the lineup, and keep him/her/it there for the rest of the year. If you don't like them, just click your heels three times and say to yourself "Kellen Moore is available to draft, Kellen Moore is available to draft." And if you like Cam Newton, just look at the last Auburn QB drafted high. He's wearing number 8, in case you were wondering.
4. Run, rabbit. RUN RABBIT!!!!
Yes, I love that movie. And what, in the name of all that is unholy, are Hue and Tom thinking? Darren McFadden is finally, after exasperating the hell out of the Nation, living up to expectations. And the coaches say, "You know what? Let's not do this anymore." It's not like we're the Packers or Indy, where we don't have a RB. We have two high quality backs on the roster. Our receiving corps is essentially waste, with a notable exception. Why develop something you don't use?
5. Fire Sanjay Lal
When my girlfriend came home and found me enraged, she naturally asked what was wrong. I angrily muttered something about wide receivers dropping the ball and the receivers coach being a friggin idiotstick piece of- "What's his name?" she asked. When I responded, sneering Sanjay Lal's name, her immediate response was, "Isn't that the guy from American Idol?" It made me laugh, and wonder if indeed, Al would be crazy enough to do something like that. The short version is that this guy is an idiot. Lal needed to never be on this staff ever.
6. Terminate Paul Hackett and Ted Tollner
During this interminably lengthy period of insufferably losing seasons, we have had inconsistent quarterback play. The constant theme of these seasons seems to be Hackett and Tollner. Neither of these guys has done what they were brought in to do, which was to develop the QB and the passing game. Our QBs are at best, ineffective. Our passing game is a shadow of what it could be. This is their responsibility. Their heads are being prepared for the executioner as we speak.
There are other possibilities to contemplate. I'm leaving the defense alone, as the offense has been the most egregious violators and the lack of Nnamdi has exposed a lack of depth and experience in the secondary. But know John Marshall is moving up the list quickly. And Hue might be as well. I can only hope that these defeats were a lure, a way to lull the Chargers to sleep before administering the death blow to Norv Turner's career as coach there. It is the only reason I can explain the failure of these past games. Now we can only hope that this slumbering giant will awaken in time to slaughter the soul of the San Diego Chargers.
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The hottest fire forges the strongest steel
by angelesoterica on Nov 22, 2010 11:21 PM EST
on Silver And Black Pride
Man, I was all stoked a couple weeks ago.
The Raiders had beaten the Cheifs in OT, JC had done the one thing I needed to see him do (a comeback drive to tie the game), and I had 2 weeks to enjoy the glory of being a fan of the best team in the West.
When shit can go bad, it will.
As I drove back from Moscow, Idaho on a cold but sunny day, my car decided to start overheating. I would drive for a few miles before it would hop into the red, stop for an hour, add antifreeze, start going again, repeat. Halfway home, I gave up, called my brother, got home and had it towed. Diagnosis? Water pump and thermostat. Damn. Oh, well. I can deal with an issue that I can fix. I get home to write a mea culpa proclaiming Son of Ja is our starter for the rest of the season, only to find that my monitor had burned up. Literally. Apparently the screen went awry and it started smoking. I guess that it was trying to become more like its owner. Hence my absence, for those wondering where my acknowledgement of JaSon went. In addition, I had to kick out my best friend of 13 years due to my landlord's hatred of pets. And I turned 30. So yeah, I've had better times in my life.
If you are looking for a convenient scapegoat for the Raider loss, feel free to blame me. You see, the night before the win streak started, I purchased a beanie. Nothing fancy, just one that had a skull and crossbones over a cross, slightly emo but more piratelike. I wore it for every game, even the battle with KC which was not televised, for whatever reason. But Saturday night it went missing. And the Raiders tasted their first utter beatdown since the season opener. Luckily I found it today, and not just because it's going to be -12 tonight.
I really wanted to be wallowing in self pity after the Raider loss and the shitteth hitting the faneth in my life.
But I didn't. I decided to play my own "fuck-it" card, and emerged with a far better monitor, a potentially better job offer, and my car closer to getting fixed. So if you truly want to bitch, whine and moan...BFTB is the place to be!
Seriously, though. This is a young team that is still learning how to walk. The wheat is beginning to separate from the chaff. We are still finding out who should be on the roster and who shouldn't. We flat out got beat by a team everyone says is at the top of the league without our defensive leader (Nnamdi, in case you were wondering) and our top receiver at far less than 100% (Zach). We barely beat a Cheifs team we should have smoked like a Snoop special.
We are all angry. This is the anger that good teams feel. The same blind rage that made Richard Seymour punch Ben Roethlisberger in the throat is the rage this team needs to channel towards Miami this coming Sunday. Ex-Chief Tyler Thigpen and ex-Bronco Brandon Marshall are hearing the whispered cries from their former teammates that this is not the Raiders of the recent past, but a wounded tiger that is dangerous and enraged. And if this team is not dangerous and enraged, then we are truly damned to another 10 loss season.
"Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light."-Dylan Thomas
-On another note, if someone wants to make a Chaz Schilens "missing child" pic, that would make me laugh my friggin ass off.
Son of Ja and DHB need each other
by angelesoterica on Nov 5, 2010 8:01 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
I love it when the gods smile upon us.
We have been blessed with a trio of great RBs in Darren McFadden, Michael Bush and Marcel Reece (Mardike McRush?). Son of Ja is starting to resemble Son of Jah and playing like a QB rather than a steaming pile of crap, as he was earlier this season. I, as a huge Bruce Greatkowski supporter, am preparing a meal involving humble pie with a tall glass of STFU if Son of Ja leads us to victory on Sunday. I am not a fan of humble pie. It's kind of dry and vinegary with a slight hint of aged cheese. I will, however, eat it with gusto when the victory comes, possibly as early as the 3rd quarter. He has been named the starter, and deservedly so. He's still on a short leash in my eyes, so if he struggles, he'll get pulled.
Will the real Darrius Heyward-Bey please stand up?
I would love it if this was the game that shook him out of the developmental coma he slips into after a good game. I loved watching him score that TD. I think everyone did. He's showing flashes of what he could be. I just want him to succeed because it would lift this team to heights that were only whispers of hope earlier this season. If he comes on big, we could cut Chaz permanentlyinjured Schilens tomorrow and no one would notice. Actually, we could do that now and no one would notice.
In a way, we could tie in the fates of Son of Ja and DHB together.
Somehow, Al Davis has gotten his way and no one noticed. Power running to set up the deep ball. That's what Al wants. Now that one half of that equation has been settled, the other half needs to come around. Now the argument for Son of Ja over Bruce has always been arm strength. You might argue other things (leadership, gambler v. playing it safe) but the one argument that is generally always won by Son of Ja is that his arm strength surpasses Bruce. You cannot deny the fact that Al traded for that arm, period. Someone has to catch those deep passes. And who better than DHB? He's got the speed. He's got the talent. Can he put it together on a consistent basis? If he does, the beneficiary is Son of Ja. If we're reduced to short-armed passes and power running only, we will fold like a walmart chair, Bruce ends up getting named the starter (might as well, he's much cheaper and bleeds Silver and Black) and Son of Ja becomes the latest in a string of failed Raider QB restoration projects.
For the record? I've predicted a Raider blowout on the 'damus post. The foot's been on the gas, now hit the nitrous!
A look back, and forward
by angelesoterica on Oct 25, 2010 4:28 PM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
I need a better thesaurus.
How many ways to describe the 59-14 bloodletting of the hee-haws? Bloodbath, annihilation, TFD, whooping, good old fashioned ass kicking, etc., etc. I had a feeling it was gonna be brutal when the game came on the TV and the Raiders were up 7-0, and the first play shown (thanks, CBS sports) was CJ running back a pick 6. Now this, I thought to myself, is Raider football. Kyle Orton looked like he was just informed Tim Tebow was there to take his place. Brian Dawkins wished he would have stayed in Philly, anywhere but Denver. Tommy Kelly got a friggin sack, that's how bad we beat them. Son of Ja actually looked decent warming Bruce's seat.
Funniest moment of the game? Tom Cable stumblin', bumblin, run (?) down the sideline to throw the challenge flag. I fell out of my chair laughing at that one. That's how one sided the game was. TC ran more than Denver.
Sure, we all had a little scare when the mules (they were pretty sterile) scored at the end of the half. I began having nauseating thoughts about a complete letdown that would have cost us the game. It was fortunately alleviated after more scores. Cable, having been able to catch his breath from "The Run," must have given a good halftime speech.
Big props to Run-DMC, who truly broke out in this game. Marcel Reece, who had a hell of a game. Aw, screw it. Game balls all around!!
Now, to sober up just a bit, the former AFC west rival Seattle Seamen, er, Seahawks. Being a NW guy myself, I'm usually forced to watch these guys play.
Threats? Ex-Raider/Trojan Mike Williams, who has emerged as their top WR (and you thought we had issues). He has finally begun to earn that top pick status he had when Matt Millen picked him for the Lions. Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett have reformed the Cal backfield in Seattle. Lynch seems to be more of a between the hashes guy, while Forsett is the outside guy. This is our Achilles heel, defending the run. We didn't have to deal with it in Denver due to the fact that Knowshit Morono is one of the worst RBs in the NFL and McDouche is a horrendous coach. We do have to deal with the run here. Matt Hasselbeck is one of my fave QBs because he plays with heart and determination. When he's protected, he can be a top-tier QB. When he's not, he plays hard but can be forced into errors. Think poor man's Favre, though Favre's playing like a poor version of himself lately.
Defensively they still have Lofa Tatupu and Marcus Trufant. Outside of that, I don't really know much. I can't remember if they still have David Hawthorne, who is actually a damn good LB.
The true test of whether we've turned a corner will come this game. It's one thing to utterly and completely destroy a team that wasn't that good to begin with. It's another thing to follow that up with a victory over a team that is tough but beatable. This Raider team is still folowing the simple blueprint to victory in the AFC West: Win out the conference (2-0 so far), plus 3.
Tom Cable's actual job with the Raiders REVEALED!! Rated PG-13
by angelesoterica on Oct 14, 2010 3:00 PM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
WARNING: This is a purely entertaining piece. There is naughty language in it. If you are offended I would suggest that you move along, nothing to see here. Better yet, you might consider a halftime show with Rod Woodson as your co-host. You would strike ratings gold.
*****************************************************************************************************************
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I think I have solved the ugly mystery of Tom Cable's status as "head ball coach" of the Oakland Raiders.
Tom Cable is a professional shitcatcher.
I didn't realize this was an actual profession. I have seen, in those nickel classifieds cluttering the front of every chain-style grocery store ever, an ad for a person who will, for a nominal fee, pick up your dog's multiple bombs so you never have to dry heave while you reap the benefits of dog ownership.
It then dawned on me that surely, there are people who do this for people who tend to catch unnecessarily large amounts of shit. If this is truth that I speak, then it must be so. Logically, thought that would be a stretch, I tried to figure out who would need such a service. These people would be well off, though on the decline. They would need larger than life personalities. They would spend extravagantly on things that the average man (or woman) would consider excessive and wasteful. They would make rash decisions and stick by them, even when all reason would persuade the hardiest of us to knuckle under and cave to the incessant pressure.
Well, that certainly made the task easier.
But what, praytell, would a shitcatcher do exactly? They would play foil to the afflicted party, appearing a buffoon to the world for keeping company with such a person. They would appear even more foolish than the person who hired them. Attention would be diverted to said shitcatcher, and any decisions made by the employer would appear as though the shitcatcher made them. People would assume that all good decisions were not made by him (or her) and poor decisions were the result of the shitcatcher's horrible judgement.
Sound familiar?
Many of us here have been on a desperate search for Tom Cable's role on the Raiders. His official title is "Head Coach," though we saw last year's team. He isn't really coaching. You could argue that he plans the game, but he doesn't. It is clearly apparent that Hue Jackson calls offensive plays, John Marshall calls defensive plays (albeit from the 1970's), I-forget-who calls special teams. Tom Cable isn't coaching anything. But wait, you say, doesn't he coach the offensive line? I think, after watching our offensive line perform week after agonizing week, that no one does. If there's any line coaching by Cable, it probably goes like this: Okay, Mario, go out and block someone. Hue said we're running on this play. Go kick some ass! That's not coaching, that's stating the obvious.
It seems kind of stupid, but look at other coaches around the league who perform essentially the same function.
Brad Childress-The semicoach of the Vikings. At least until Brett Farve arrives a week before the season opener.
Wade Phillips-aka the guy who keeps the seat warm for Jason Garrett. At least he coaches the defense. Maybe.
Eric Mangini-A guy who has proven, with the Jets and now Cleveland, that he cannot be trusted to coach by himself at all. Holmgren is getting nostalgic.
There's a few more I could have thrown in here. Norv Turner could apply with his utter subservience to AJ Smith, yet Norv has put his stamp on the team, driving them deeper into the abyss as is his tendency. I'm sure many of you could throw some in the fire for being pseudo head coaches. But, these three in addition to Cable would certainly qualify to be a professional shitcatcher. Certainly I would put our coach at the top of the list. Dare I say, that he would be overly qualified.
Random thought of the morning: Why is it that when we lose, it's Al Davis's antiquated scheming. but when we win, the coaches locked the doors and cut the phone lines?
The agony and the ecstasy
by angelesoterica on Oct 11, 2010 9:55 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
Man, that felt good.
With a narrow victory, we have exorcised demons we had almost forgotten. Years of frustration exemplified by a lethatrgic "quarterback" were replaced by an indelible image: Tom Cable's big ole grin, fist raised in triumph.
I won't tell you it was impressive. It's never impressive when we allow a QB to break 400 yards, half of which went to Malcom Floyd. It was the ugliest win I have seen this team achieve. It was hand delivered, gift wrapped, and served on a silver (and black) platter to us by Philip Rivers, courtesy of Michael Huff. Tyvon Branch made the smartest decision when he decided to play to the whistle and not assume that it was an incomplete pass. Way to nail that coffin shut, my man. After that, I held my breath for a few plays, then ran around in giddy excitement singing "Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!" My girlfriend looked at me like I was crazy. Which I was. I paid her no heed as she is a Colts fan, and doesn't know that beating the Chargers is actually something of an achievement for us. Her team usually beats them in the playoffs.
Bruce Gradkowski played with a bad shoulder and tried too hard to be the heroic, gutsy player we all know he is. Jason Campbell came in and was solid in relief. For those who look to him to start next week, check your emotions at the door. Our line play is still not what it needs to be. Don't suffer from Andy Reid Syndrome and start the backup to save your job. Be smart and aware that if Bruce can start, and play up to par, he will.
And now for something completely different.
We are staring at a week 6 matchup against another hated rival, the Niners. They are 0-5 and staggering from yet another close loss. Mike Singletary looked like someone kicked his puppy, utterly dejected. Alex Smith did his part to lose the game. After a few angry exchanges, I'm expecting to see David Carr get the nod and start. Though I was hoping to see us face Smith (strategy to beat him? Force him to be a QB and watch him fail), Carr is almost an unknown. Once again, we must stop the run and smack this guy hard. Carr was at one point, the Texans franchise QB. The problem was, he got sacked so often he became gunshy. He's been warming benches ever since.
Defensively, they are intimidating yet losing that luster with each passing week. It srikingly reminds me of our post-Super Bowl loss team. Each week you say, "This can't possibly get worse" and yet it continues to do so. Guys on their team are quitting football altogether. I'm feeling bad for Patrick Willis. But this team is capable of absolute carnage with their defense. If you don't believe me, ask Jason Campbell. He was taken off the field with a stinger, courtesy of Travis LaBoy. I'm really hoping Bruce gets healthy for this upcoming battle. His mobility will be needed for it. No time to rest on your laurels, Raider Nation. Another war approaches.
Well, slap my face and call me Randy
by angelesoterica on Oct 5, 2010 9:03 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
At least we're fighting.
What, you want another "Woe is me" post? Go be a Choker fan, where disappointment is a prerequisite to fandom. I need to look at positives after a heartbreaking loss. Vent on Monday, prep on Tuesday. It keeps me somewhat sane and regular. I'll be annoyingly mad after a victory.
Speaking of heartbreaking losers, it's Choker week!
Let's put the Texans game where the Colts will put them at the end of the season, in the rear view, and focus on the Chokers. This is a must win game. And I don't mean we should win this game. We need this game more than Philip Rivers needs Kleenex. We have the same amount of divisional wins as these guys, and they've played a divisional game. I'm hoping that someone on the coaching staff *cough* Hue Jackson *cough* has something up his sleeve for this game.
John Marshall has assumed his rightful place on the chopping block as the guy who I hold solely responsible for our defense not being, well, a defense. The only RB we held down was the declining Steven Jackson. Outside of Routt performing above expectations (when your expectations are low, you can usually only go up) and Nnamdi being his usual AwesomeOne self, our secondary play has regressed. Our front four seems to need John Henderson way more than anyone thought we would. Linebackers seem to be disorientated at times, which I attribute to McClain's inexperience (he will get more experience, no need to proclaim him a bust now) and Marshall's crappy coaching.
*SIDE NOTE: To all those wishing death upon Al Davis, please **** yourself. Criticize him all you want, but have some decency. We now return to our regularly scheduled post.
Offensively speaking, we need O-line help still. I've decided, after much thought, we need to trade Michael Bush to get that line help. As much as I heart Bush (the RB, not the president) we need someone to keep Bruce upright. With Loper emerging as a viable guard (bye Cooper, don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya) the most pressing need is LT. Gaither is an option, but Bush wouldn't be viable as a trade option here, given the Rice/Mcgahee combo already in place. The Skins need a RB but their line is as bad as ours. Same with the Packers, though I wonder if Clifton might need a change of scenery. As always, I'm open to ideas.
The guys on the SteroidChokers that we need to destroy are Riversoftears, Antonio Gates, pickareceiver and some guy named Tolbert? No need to fear Vincent "gimmethedamncheck" Jackson as he's suspended/sitting out. I haven't heard about McNeill, but I think he's active the week following. The key this week is eliminating Tolbert from their gameplan. Why? Because our run D is the key to the whole game, and our tendency is to give up 100 yards to backup RBs. Why do you think Jamaal Charles is starting? Why do you think Jerome Harrison got the starting nod in week 1 for Cleveland? Because each of them had big days against us last year.
Other thoughts?
DHB and Murphy: Please catch the damn ball. I'm not asking for much. Bruce, keep on keeping us in the game but do try to win. Especially this week. Mario, WAKE UP. Now would be a good time. TK, if you wish to be in our good graces, please play this week. I mean, actually play like a niner made you mad.
A victory here, and the 800lb monkey is off our back. Lose, and heads will roll. Up to the team to get this one right.
This IS our season.
The tortoise always beats the hare
by angelesoterica on Sep 26, 2010 6:57 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
Jason Campbell was supposed to be the next great Raider QB, with Emperor Al declaring him the next Jim Plunkett.
Hey Al? I think there might be a little monkey wrench thrown in those plans.
Bruce Gradkowski is starting today. And while some say it's because he's more mobile, brings fire to the team, keeps Mario awake and blocking scared, I think it's something that can be defined in 3 letters
D. H. B.
The second year wideout, who last year we all agree was atrocious, needs to step up this year for this team to be competitive. Chaz Schilens is turning into a perennial injury report. Louis Murphy had us scared with early drops. After that? Take your pick between Johnnie Lee Higgins, Nick Miller, and whatever lineup of castoffs we have. And what did our newest future "franchise QB" do in week 1 with him?
1 catch, 11 yards.
Now, I don't know how well he was covered. But even I look at that and go "WTF??" If you have a 1st round talent who can run, even if he's developing hands, you throw him the damn ball. You get a guy who needs confidence the ball early and often. Even if he drops it the first time, you go back to him to show trust in him because he needs that confidence.
Let's go back to the preseason, which many people believe means nothing. I call BS on this because it displayed what JC needed to do and failed to do. Week 3, 1st drive. Jason Campbell was given instructions by TomHueAL to target DHB. And he did. And we scored. On a defense that later took out said Campbell and happens to be coached by a defensive badass in Mike Singletary who has a top 10 D. Granted, until JC was involuntarily seated and Greatkowski came in and showed why he's Great, our offense sputtered to a halt. But notice that DHB played better.
Fast forward to week 2. JC in one half targets DHB 3 times for 1 completion. Enter Bruce. 2 of his first 3 passes go to DHB. Both are completed. In fact, according to the play-by-play on NFL.com, on the 7 drives the Raiders had, DHB was targeted on 5 of those drives. The first 3 drives, he was the first play.
And do you notice that Cable stated "chemistry with the receivers" as the reason Campbell was shown the bench. It certainly wasn't Zach Miller or Louis Murphy he spoke of. It was the guy who had such a bad season he changed jersey numbers.
I titled it so because A) we caught a lot of flack for drafting him instead of Crabtree, B) he's a Terrapin, or turtle, and C) it fits both he and Bruce. While they were spending this offseason busting their tails off to get better (and getting hurt or fatigued in the process), everyone talked up a new QB who led his team to a 4-12 record and screamed for TO or some other primadonna wideout to come in. Looks like we might have been better off keeping what we had.
Side note-Darren McFadden is, after week 2, the second leading rusher in the NFL. Kudos, and keep it up.
Not really thoughts...more like brain excrement
by angelesoterica on Sep 20, 2010 5:07 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
After not watching the game due to my JaComputer (named after other things ineffective and best served in a pile of trash) deciding not to turn on, thereby forcing me to watch the horrendous game involving JaMarkUs Sanchez and what I thought was the Patriots until they decided to be like their fans and leave at halftime. Obviously I have thoughts about the game. Read the always insightful recap for the info, watched the highlights when they showed them.
1. Bruce Gradkowski, you are the F***ing Man.
2. I really want to say Dmac is the man after two very solid games. If he does it again next week, I will.
3. DHB can actually catch the ball this year, assuming he is thrown to.
4. Erik Pears off the roster makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.
5. NFL Network has reported Packers T Chad Clifton might become a backup. I smell a trade opportunity.
6. Two teams I really hoped would suck giant donkey scrotums (no donkeys were harmed making this comment), the Dallas littleboys and the Minnesota BrettFavreShow, are 0-2. ESPN and NFL Network are forced to recall their pRomos and replace them with coverage of the International Lawn Darts World Championship.
7. Dream Title Matchup-DeathRo vs. Floyd Mayweather in a UFC fight. Floyd lands hits, buts loses on a wicked takedown followed by submission choke.
8. John Marshall is safe...for now.
9. After suffering through the slaughter that was Manning bowl 2, I wonder if Eli will ever hit puberty.
10. What good does being able to throw the ball 60 yards do if you take so long to do it you lose the opportunity to do so? Ja*****ell supporters, take note. If you think I meant Campbell then you deciphered it better than I did. I can't tell the difference.
11. The AFC West went undefeated today. Raiders in last place due to new "alphabet rule" installed by commisioner.
12. Predicted headline: "Cable's substantial ass saved by Polish Bulldog".
13. Predicted score v. Cardinals:18-14, Raiders, in a game so ugly you might call it the #1 pick in 2007.
As always, opinions don't matter. That's right, opinions here are like the chokers in the postseason. Enjoy.
Bruce Gradkowski and other mindlessness
by angelesoterica on Sep 4, 2010 7:01 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
Seriousness is overrated. Unless we are talking about the Raiders. SOB was kind enough to take me off cloud nine and realize that I got a sick feeling watching the games against the Niners and the Seacows.
Complacency.
Sure, it's only preseason. Barely even scrimmages, you say. But I saw in the game against the Niners, and to some degree, the Seamen, a level of complacency take over this team. After a brilliant drive in which DHB showed he has the potential to be the great WR we all thought he could be, the team seemed to drift into IDGAF mode. And if you don't know what IDGAF mode is, please stand in line for your next shot of sizzurp behind that fat guy with the orange jumpsuit on. And it stayed that way until the ultimate gaffe by Mario Henderson sent Jason Campbell's head snapping backwards before he was slammed to the ground by that ultimate sack machine...Travis LaBoy??
And then here comes Bruce Gradkowski. Damn, every time I watch him play I get a feeling in my gut that rises up to my heart and stops it so I'm not distracted from watching something special happen. And he usually does do something special. Like telling Mario Henderson to take his eyes off the damn scoreboard and play some damn football. Like coming out and torching the scrubs because JC has his job based off of a trade and Bruce being injured.
"Like thunder and lightning, goddamn it's so exciting". -Thin Lizzy
Bruce Gradkowski, in 1 preseason game, made Kyle Boller the weakest link. Goodbye.
Onto Seattle, home of Starbucks, Microsoft, the Mariners, Seagulls, and 100 other things that make you want to smash your head through a brick wall face first. Bruce comes out against the scrubs and wastes them in the first quarter. At one point the Raiders seemed to score on 3 straight plays. Called back thanks to Erik Pears. *Note to self-"finesse" blocking means you hold a lot* You know the team is rolling when Grads takes some time trying to convince his receivers to actually catch the damn ball. Brandon Myers, what happened? Then Boller comes in and waits until it gets close on the scoreboard to actually remember he was, at one point, an NFL QB. Either that or he's picked up some overly dramatic behavoir from his man-wife. For those who believe that she can't possibly affect his play please look up Warner, Kurt under "The Lost Years" for more information.
The point of this sleep-deprived rant? Bruce Gradkowski deserves a shot at the starting QB position. Not because he's statistically better than JC. On that, the stats don't lie. But they do. It seems contradictory but it's not. Some great passers had some horrible passer ratings. Bart Starr had a horrible passer rating, but he's in the Hall of Fame with 2 Super Bowl rings and not even the most stat-geeky douchestick would say he's a bad QB.
He also seems to fit our new scheme better. Bubble screens, short passes etc. behind a shaky line where mobility can come into play. And even Boller can follow the "hand it off to Bush" policy, so that won't be an issue. Dmac needs to get involved, and while Campbell seemed to be content to do what even that fat turdblossom could do by tossing it to Zach Miller, Bruce has shown he doesn't give a damn who's on the other end. Hell, Campbell only threw it to DHB because Action Jackson, Cable, and possibly even God himself (Al Davis) told him to. Just My humble opinion though.
Other thoughts? I like the idea of Hartwig being added, though that makes getting Veldheer in the lineup more difficult. Solution? Left to Right -Hendo, Gallery, Hartwig, Walker, Veldheer. Unless you happen to know a quality veteran tackle we can pick up on the cheap.
Antonio Bryant would be a good pickup to fill in for perennial All-Injured List 1st teamer Chaz Schilens. Chaz, I love ya, but you spend more time at the doctor than your old kinda-QB.
If Erik Pears is on the roster, I will have proof that there is a God, and he hate me. Like ikickedapuppyandrobbedachurchhadanabortionpeedonastatueofjesus kind of hate. Oh well. You and the horse you rode in on too. If you're going to hell, go head first.
7-9 looks to be a realistic outcome. If it's more, great. If not, you have to tell the kids we lost cable.
John Marshall is only here because he stood up for Cable in the infamous Hanson beatdown. Maybe he needs to grow a mullet. It was the only reason I liked Rob Ryan, might as well be the reason I like his sorry ass.
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More random brain farts (cause I can)
by angelesoterica on Aug 25, 2010 3:33 PM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
Hmm...many interesting things going on in here. What rattles in my empty brain this week?
1. We get to play the Niners this week. Fortunately Alex Smith is still the QB. I hereby declare him Dilfer Jr.
2. Unrelated story: Quizno's makes damn good subs. Their commercials still suck.
3. I have a deep-seated hatred of Erik Pears.
4. An NBA player once refused a trade to the Jazz. His reason? "You go live in f***ing Utah".
5. Kyle Boller leaves me torn. On one hand, he wears the Silver and Black. On the other hand, he's bangin either the ugliest chick or the best post-op. Al, can you cut him and take this issue away?
6. There is a rumor going around that Haynesworth might get the Javon Walker treatment because he doesn't buy into Shanahan's coaching. Either way this works out, both might look smart. A surprise given the people involved.
7. Speaking of Boller, can anyone name a ProBowl QB from Cal not named Aaron Rodgers in any given era of football?
8. Another one for you: who might get cut by another team that we can pick up? Please don't say Victor Cruz. Coughlin has a mancrush on him. He's already offered one of his daughters to him.
9. The Cable Guy needs a new nickname. An off the wall one.
10. Henceforth, all players who have bad games will be referred to as Ja(name). Example: JaStanford, JaPears. This will be confusing if Jacoby Ford has a bad game. Sorry JaKe.
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Because it's full, here's some...
by angelesoterica on Aug 21, 2010 12:36 PM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
Random thoughts from my brain:
1. Preseason is for figuring out who makes your team, not whether your team will succeed or fail. I recall the Lions going 4-0 in preseason before sucking out loud in the Ofer season. I might be wrong. My brain doesn't always recall things correctly.
2. Explain why the following players are still on the roster-Erik Pearstobegettingpancakedagain, Johnnie Leeryofgettinghit Higgins, Stanford ohlooktheregoesareceiverwasisupposedtocoverhimdamnmybad Routt.
3. LaMarr Houston was a confusing pick by The Godfather Al. Until now. He's overtaking Mike Mitchell as my favorite player. Who would win between him and Cable? To the victor goes the opportunity to kick Randy Hanson's lifeless corpse.
4. This year we go 8-8 or 9-7. Our offense will be decent, our D will annihilate. Next year we slay all comers.
5. Dallas's site is called Blogging the Boys. That's almost as creepy as Jimmy Johnson's Extenze commercial.
6. DHB, to be successful this year in my book your stats should look like this-45 catches, 765 yards, 17.0 ypc.
7. The burden that bears no name is gone. After watching his interview, I almost felt bad for him. What a waste.
8. For one week, again, I can fully hate Jay Cutler. It's Christmas in August.
9. I will almost feel bad about the impending destruction of the Donkeys. And then my inner Tatum will rise up and assassinate that feeling.
10. My prediction for the game-Raiders 21, teddybears 3. Just because I hate Mike Martz. And Cutler.
And one final query for all those who bleed Silver and Black. Who is a player flying under the Rai-dar that we could get for a mid or late round pick who would make an impact for us?
The greatest corner tandem in the NFL-on the Raiders??
by angelesoterica on Jul 9, 2010 8:50 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
So I'm watching the NFL Network, and they're doing their usual thing, saying how DHB had better be the most improved wideout (Raider Nation agrees with this but please mention how atrocious our ex QB was next time) this coming season. I'm half asleep, not really paying attention to who got signed and who got cut. Then I hear about D'Brickashaw Ferguson's contract and I think, good for him. And then they start talking about all the guys that the Jets need to sign, like Mangold and Revis and someone else.
Don't worry, I'm getting to it.
Apparently Darrelle Revis wants a new contract. He's one of the best corners in the league along with Awesome-One, and he's only making 500k next year. It's more than I'll ever make but peanuts compared to what Nnamdi's making. The word is that the Jets are afraid that Revis wants Nnamdi money and they won't even consider his deal when doing the contract for him. No one, they think, will match that type of deal.
Al Davis would.
Al would pay Revis big money to come be a Raider. Many people, myself included, have said Al wants that Hayes/Haynes corner combo. And here comes the golden opportunity to get two Pro-Bowl corners on the same team, wearing the Silver and Black. The Raiders would have an untouchable pass defense. But then the dilemma comes into play.
Who would we trade to get him?
This was discussed a few months ago, I'm aware of that. In light of the current situation with Revis being unhappy and our roster a little more settled with the draft a fading memory, I thought it best to bring it back up. And the conventional wisdom was that we were more likely to trade Nnamdi than the Jets were to trade Revis. Not many outside of here thought it was even possible. We will clearly have to give up some very key guys, but the potential exists for this to happen.
My version of the trade is below. Make your own if you'd like.
Jets get from the Raiders: Chris Johnson, Michael Huff, Richard Seymour, 2nd round pick in 2012
Raiders get: Darelle Revis, 2nd round pick in 2011
My 3-4 am mock O-line post-Rip it good!
by angelesoterica on Jul 4, 2010 7:21 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
So its 3 am, I'm up for no reason at all. It's hard for me to even check out the site lately. I see we got Henderson at the DT spot, nice pickup btw. Work and school are kickin my butt lately. I've been reading some posts and gathering we will at least have a run defense, finally. Everyone's still wary about the offensive line, though.
Most agree, with a few exceptions of course, that barring a trade or a free agent pickup Super Mario will be the starting LT with Gallery at LG and Satele at center. The right side is still a clusterf**k though. No one really agrees who should go where. So with little thought and absolutely no research, I figured I'd give my offensive line lineup a shot and let everyone rip on it. It won't happen, of course, so no need to freak out too much.
Right Tackle: Langston Walker
He was, after all, a career tackle. He spent a good chunk of time playing the right side. And he's not Cornell Green.
Right Guard: Bruce Campbell
Gotta get his cherry popped sometime. And the alternative is Cooper Carlisle. If he's as versatile as they say, should be an easy transition.
Center: Robert Gallery
I know that half are thinking, "WTF?!?!?" and the other half are wondering why Samson isn't here. I want some nastiness in the dead center of the line. Gallery fits that, plus he's seemingly played everywhere on the line, why not take a shot here?
Left Guard: Khalif Barnes
He's a guy who spent his career at left tackle who came in last year to compete for Mario's job when he broke his ankle or foot (one of the two, told you I did no research) and ended up going in at a few places. I figure we put him on the left side which gives a veteran presence next to his former competitor.
Left Tackle: Mario Henderson
I'd put him at the right tackle spot if we got Gaither in a heartbeat. But I'm giving him this year alone to finally show that he can be a premier tackle in the league. I'll give him last year and chalk it up to "Get that fat bastard QB off this roster now" syndrome. I guarantee anyone on this site who lived through last season would have done the same thing.
So enjoy mocking my mock line. It's 4am now, it deserves it. You have a better idea?
Quarterback tango
by angelesoterica on Apr 24, 2010 7:00 PM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
We have a truckload of QBs. Here they are in no particular order:
Jamarcus "The human basted turkey" Russell
Bruce "Polish pistol" Gradkowski
Charlie "The chicken" Frye
J.P. "Can you help me? I'm" Losman
Jason "Soupy" Campbell
Kyle "The professional" Boller
Our QB depth chart last year at the start of last season was, in order: Russell, Radkowski, Frye. By the end it was Radkowski (injured), Frye, Losman, Russell. NFL network reports Campbell will be the starter this year.
My choice for our QB depth chart: Campbell, Radkowski, Boller. Fill in your opinions here
The World's Worst Mock Draft
by angelesoterica on Apr 20, 2010 11:52 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
I figured if I titled it that it would save most of you the trouble of hating it. This is the first round based off of nothing but my morbid sense of humor. Take all choices with a grain of salt.
BREAKING NEWS!!!! There has been a trade involving the Rams and the Browns!! The Rams have sent their #1 overall pick to the Browns for their 1st rounder, their 3rd rounder, and a 2nd rounder next year!!
With the #1 pick, the Cleveland Browns select Sam Bradford. Mike Holmgren is seen weeping between bites of KFC's new Double Down sandwich.
With the #2 pick, the Detroit Lions select Russell Okung. Matt Millen's ghost is heard laughing hysterically in Ford Field.
With the #3 pick, the Bucs select Ndamukong Suh and hurriedly take him to Tampa lest he find out just how bad this team is before he signs his contract.
With the #4 pick, the Washington Redskins select Trent Williams. Angry Skins fans mistake teabaggers for antiSnyder rally, start wearing 3-corner hats to games in a show of protest.
With the #5 pick, the Kansas City Chiefs select Bryan Bulaga. Chiefs fans attempt to get angry, accidentally set fire to whole trailer park.
With the #6 pick, the Seattle Seahawks select Anthony Davis. Pete Carroll gets confused and attempts to wheel Al Davis to the podium.
With the #7 pick, the St. Louis Rams select Jimmy Clausen. Everyone screams.
With the #8 pick, the Oakland Raiders select Gerald McCoy. Al stuns everyone, makes a sane pick for once and jokes that he's picked the real McCoy. Groans heard from Oakland to New York.
With the #9 pick, the Buffalo Bills select Colt McCoy. Ralph Wilson makes same joke, silence finally comes to the city.
With the #10 pick, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Joe Haden. Jags fans thank god it's not Tebow.
With the #11 pick, the Denver Broncos select Dez Bryant. Roger Goodell suspends him for 8 games "As a preventative measure."
With the #12 pick, the Miami Dolphins select Jason Pierre-Paul. Gloria Estefan dances for no reason.
With the #13 pick, the San Francisco 49ers select Derrick Morgan. Morgan thanks them as he has permanent gold helmet tattooed on his head.
With the #14 pick, the Seattle Seahawks select Everson Griffen. Carroll congratulates himself for picking someone who was "very well coached in college."
With the #15 pick, the New York Giants select Rolando Mclain. Eli Manning mutters something about Peyton picking on him.
With the #16 pick, the Tennessee Titans select Sergio Kindle. Jeff Fisher jokes he can get one for 200 bucks.
BREAKING NEWS!!! The Jaguars have traded their 2nd round pick and their 2nd rounder next year for the #17 pick!!!
With the #17 pick, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Tim Tebow. Everyone in the city screams with joy, ask why they didn't know Jacksonville had football team.
With the #18 pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers select Maurkice Pouncey. Roethlisberger offers to "show him the bathroom."
With the #19 pick, the Atlanta Falcons select Jermaine Gresham. Roddy White pulls him aside, tells him secret plot to get Vick back.
BREAKING NEWS!!! The Texans have traded the #20 pick to the Raiders for Kirk Morrison and a 5th rounder!!!
With the #20 pick, the Oakland Raiders select Mike Iupati. Cable weeps, steals 8-piece from Holmgren.
With the #21 pick, the Cincinnati Bengals select Golden Tate. He complains that he's only "#3 at best."
With the #22 pick, the New England Patriots select Jared Odrick. Belichick remains focused on next game.
With the #23 pick, the Green Bay Packers select Kyle Wilson. He is happy to be living in "basically a place like Boise, except the turf is blue from the ice."
With the #24 pick, the Philadelphia Eagles select Earl Thomas. He will be booed for being one of the best safeties for 10 years then traded for a 2nd round pick.
With the #25 pick, the Baltimore Ravens select Sean Weatherspoon. Nobody cares but Ray Lewis.
With the #26 pick, the Arizona Cardinals select Demaryius Thomas. Cardinals go back to being mediocre.
With the #27 pick, the Dallas Cowboys select Sean Lee. Tony Romo will still choke in the playoffs
With the #28 pick, the San Diego Chargers select CJ Spiller. Raider Nation bitches.
With the #29 pick, the New York Jets select Ryan Matthews. Rex Ryan gives him a dirty Sanchez.
With the #30 pick, the Minnesota Vikings select Dan Williams. This keeps their tradition of guys named Williams being DTs.
With the #31 pick, the Indianapolis Colts select Toby Gerhart. Peyton no longer only goofy looking guy on team.
With the #32 and final pick of the 1st round, the New Orleans Saints select Nate Allen. Who dat? Beats me.
Do remember I don't put any stock in this actually happening. It's as serious as a fart joke. Mock it mercilessly, please. Though I don't think many would mind this going down.
Okay, Okay, I Give In-Possible Mock-1st 2 Rounds Only
by angelesoterica on Apr 16, 2010 2:45 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
Since everyone is posting their last mock drafts I figured I would focus on the first 3 rounds and varying possibilities based off the mocks I read.
#8 pick possibilities
Mike Iupati, Trent Williams, Bruce Campbell, Golden Tate, Jimmy Clausen, Joe Haden, Dan Williams, Taylor Mays
Safe Pick: Trent Williams
Ideal Pick: Either Williams, Iupati, Haden
Batshit Crazy Pick: Mays, Clausen, Tebow
Granted, I would love a trade for Suh. I see us taking one of the Williams depending on whether we go defense or offense in the first. Whichever way we choose will determine who we pick next.
My pick: Mike Iupati, just because he's mean, nasty, former Vandal (Cable's input on this draft will be suprisingly more than most people think), and a trench warrior. Add in the fact most people think he will go later like DHB last year and you have a quintessential Al pick.
2nd round possibilities
Rodger Saffold, Tim Tebow, Taylor Mays, Linval Joseph, Terence Cody, Vlad Ducasse, Pat Angerer, Donald Butler
Safe Pick: Saffold
Ideal Pick: Saffold, Angerer, Butler
Batshit Crazy Pick: Tebow, Mays, Cody, insert random pick here
My research starts to lag here. I've been focused so much on the 1st round possibilities that I've neglected to do much more looking around. So forgive me if I forgot to mention your preferred choice here.
My pick: Angerer. A warrior like Iupati, he fills the gap at MLB and adds a toughness that is sorely lacking. He joins Iowa alumni Robert Gallery and Brandon Myers as the latest Hawkeyes to don the Silver and Black. It would not be the first Davis pick based off of having a sweet name. See Stryker Sulak.
I also like some of the other players here. My only hope is that at least 3 of the players drafted become solid contributors with one becoming a Pro-Bowler. Love to hear your opinions.
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Raiders who need to step up in 2010
by angelesoterica on Apr 9, 2010 9:12 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
As the draft comes closer, so does the season. And this season will determine the fate of a few players who need to put up or shut up in terms of production. I hate to put some of these players up here. Other ones, not so much. I take the word of others about productivity and effectiveness. They don't show Raider games up here (damned seahawks). Here's my list for better or worse:
Jamarcus Russell
I put him here for the obvious reasons. He can't hit a receiver from 2 yards away. He fumbles. He's out of shape. He has no heart. His work ethic sucks. With all that said I cling to a crazy thread of hope that he might be able to pull this 180 and start winning games. It's a very miniscule thread, but he will be given a chance. He has 2 games tops to pull a miracle off. He's capable of it (don't laugh) but I feel he will be laughed out of town on a rail.
I know, we have some Bush lovers here (no pun intended I swear) and we have McFadden lovers. One of these guys will take over the majority of carries. D-Mac gets first crack at the job but loses it in week 4. Bush becomes the primary guy and gets 1000 yards. Davis realizes Gary Russell can do the same thing as D-Mac but way cheaper. I think D-Mac gets traded to someone.
I debated a long time before putting Gallery on here. I hated to do it. But we need to know whether he can hold up for the full season. Chaz was put up here based off of his injury. Louis Murphy showed he is more than capable of being the number 1 WR. With DHB on the roster Chaz might fall to the number 3 guy if not off the roster. I hope he gets the spot but needs to maintain his health with the youngsters breathing down his neck.
Since I picked on 2 of my favorites on this team it's only fitting I pick on the biggest non-QB disappointment of last season. DHB had a horrible season that was so bad he changed his jersey number. There are some positive reports of him working hard with our week 3 starter Greatkowski during the offseason. I hope for the sake of Raider Nation he does well. If he has another season like he had last year I don't see him on the roster after that.
Mike Mitchell/Michael Huff/Tyvon Branch
One of these 3 will be gone after this season if not before. I feel it might be Huff, simply because his value is high and Mitchell needs to be on the field if only to see what exactly we have. A deal might be struck during training camp dealing one of them, most likely Huff.
Routt showed flashes at safety, but we happen to be stacked at that position (see above) and the possibility of us taking a corner in the draft are more likely than we realize. Routt might not make it out of camp. Eugene was a capable safety but that slap by an aging Mcgahee made me realize he is not worth keeping around. If you can't stop a back who by all accounts is at the end of his career you have no business being in the league. I see him cut in camp and going to the AFL
The possibility of us taking a DT is likely to happen. We are thin at the position. If we take Dan Williams at #8 the potential of TK playing his last season with the Raiders is a near certainty. He's a UT and not the NT we need. Desmond Bryant is also a UT and a much cheaper option. With the addition of Williams (my choice if we do the Gaither trade) Kelly at best would either be rotating with Bryant and Williams or traded for a low-buck DT who would be better rotational material. I see him succeeding with Williams which would make Bryant the backup.
If you have others feel free to post them. I would nominate Pears but as long as JR is on the roster we need someone who will disappoint us even more. Pears should move to fullback if Cable can teach him how to actually block someone.
Projected 2010 Lineup and A Random Rant
by angelesoterica on Apr 2, 2010 5:42 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
Rather than post another worthless mock draft, I will post my as current as possible projected Raiders lineup based off of who we do have. Also included will be who I want gone NOW.
Offense
QB-Bruce "The Angry Polack" Gradkowski
RB-Michael Bush
WR1-Chaz Schilens
WR2-Louis Murphy
WR3-DHB
LT-Khalif Barnes
LG-Robert Gallery
C-Chris Morris
RG-Samsonite Satele
RT-Mario Henderson
TE-Zach Miller
Who should be gone: Erik Pears who cannot block wind, JLH who cannot take a hit from a featherduster, and the obvious one
Defense
RDE-Dick "Zenya" Seymour
NT-Tommy Kelly
UT-Desmond Bryant
LDE-Kamerion Wimbley/Matt Shaughnessy
WLB-Thomas Howard
MLB-Trevor Scott
SLB-Kirk Morrison
CB1-The awesome one
CB2-Chris Johnson
CB3-ABSR (anybody but Stanford Routt)
SS-Tyvon Branch
FS-Mike Mitchell
Who should be gone: Routt who cannot cover toast with butter if given a knife butter and a piece that was half done, Hiram Eugene who got slapped by a b**** which I believe is against pimp code
KR-DHB and Nick Miller
PR-D-Mac
K and P already set
You might think some of these are unusual. Some of you are looking at this screaming. I might possibly agree with some of your assessments. But rather than walk around in fairytale land, I wanted an unbiased,not-who-is-Al-drafting-in-my-wet-dreams look at what we have. So to hell with McNabb, to hell with Morrison, to hell with all the damn fantasizing. Until we take a REALISTIC look at what we have we cannot possibly draft well. And FYI, Al is going to draft someone who will make us all wonder how much he has left upstairs. Its just a matter of when in the draft. Personally I will wait until draft day now to assess who we drafted. Maybe its cabin fever, maybe its my college classes taking a toll. I'll check on this in a week, but I guarandamntee it that most will post their mock draft. And I will highly disregard them. This is about who we DO have. Lets focus on that and maybe prepare ourselves for the draft that will make us simultaneously ecstatic and pissed at the same time. That is all.
The Mike Iupati Dilemma
by angelesoterica on Mar 22, 2010 12:12 AM EDT
on Silver And Black Pride
So I'm noticing everyone here seems to be in agreement with Tom Cable (!!!) about taking Mike Iupati with the #8 pick. I agree on paper this would be the best first round pick we've had in ages. But then I stop and think for a moment. Cable has shown any idiot lineman with the exception of Erik Pears can be a guard. We need a right tackle. We need a nose tackle. We need a middle linebacker. We need a quarterback. The list goes on and on. I'm not disagreeing with picking up this beast. It would improve us immensely. Our o-line would be much better. But is this the right choice? This draft will determine our future for the next 4 years. We must think carefully.
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