The Myth of The Ex-Raiders

So LaMont Jordan signs with the Patriots and already folks are invoking the name of Randy Moss, as if there’s some unwritten cosmic law that says ex-Raiders will excel in New England.

You know, like Doug Gabriel, whom we traded to the Patriots for a draft pick in 2006, and who is now unemployed after subsequent stints with the Raiders (again) and Bengals.

Boy, the Patriots really pulled the wool over our eyes on that one, eh?

The Haters love to invoke Moss as an example of the Raiders getting fleeced by New England. An elite receiver traded for a fourth-round draft pick? What fools, those Raiders!

What the Haters to fail to mention is that Moss was worth less than a fourth-round draft pick to the Raiders, and apparently to the rest of the league as well. He was a flagrant traitor to the concepts of effort, competition and leadership, and was thus valued accordingly.

Which brings us to Jordan. There are three possibilities: (1) he continues to mope and underperform, and gets cut before the season starts; (2) he actually studies the playbook and regains his claim to functional mediocrity; or (3) he outperforms and gives the Haters a new talking point.

I doubt that Jordan will outperform, but for the sake of conversation, let’s say he does. Okay, so what? What does that tell us?

It tells us what Gary said here earlier about Jordan: “That's the thing with players that don't have any leadership abilities... they do pretty well on teams that don't need any leadership.”

This is exactly why Moss was valuable to New England, but to no one else. He’s the player equivalent of the bandwagon fan—no guts, all glory. He’ll never be the guy who got you there. He’s the guy who’s there because someone else got you there.

On that note, it's funny how Justin Fargas has managed to do what Jordan couldn’t—keep his nose to the grindstone and assert a winning attitude, under the same coaches, opportunities and circumstances afforded to Jordan.

So bon voyage, LaMont. Say hello to Randy. Enjoy the fruits of others’ labors while you can, because the Patriots party is coming to an end.

Training Camp Limerick

There once was a coach named Lane
Who was "gone," then back again
He stiff-armed LaMont
And evil-eyed Javon
And in Shanarat's a** was a pain.

Training Camp Haiku

A new vintage takes
root in Napa, taste the sweet
fruit of victory.

Ripping the Rippers

When I saw the recent headline about Stuart Schweigert “ripping” the Raiders, I had to laugh. It reminded me of his many Cirque du Soleil performances, a silly man flying around, hitting nothing.

Remember Schweigert getting run over by that pipsqueak in Tennessee? Or his patty-caking the Packer last year over a 20-yard span?

It seems that every time someone is booted by the Raiders these days, they “rip” the team on their way out. The Haters love it, and say it’s just more proof of a team in disarray.

Au contraire, Haters. These comments are not evidence of a problem, but rather evidence of a problem being purged. Big distinction.

The problem being purged is terminal lack of character and talent, a condition that has admittedly been allowed to fester too long in Oakland, be it through scholarships, executive inattentiveness or whatever.

It’s rather telling that so many of our starters, when cut, can barely compete for backup positions on other teams. And I’m not just talking about one-year Raiders like Aaron Brooks and Dominic Rhodes, but guys like Barry Sims, Kerry Collins, Alvis Whitted, Stuart Schweigert and, soon, LaMont Jordan. Those who do start for other teams, like Jerry Porter and Randy Moss, took more than they gave when in Oakland.

Is it any wonder, then, that many of these guys would rip the Raiders upon their exit? If they take any responsibility for their failures, they hurt their chances at getting that coveted backup job with the Titans.

At the same time, they usually can’t help revealing their true colors. Here’s what Schweigert had to say about the past few months: “It was terrible, sitting through the meetings and working on the defense they were putting in and all the time knowing I wasn't going to be a part of it. I wasn't into it mentally, emotionally or physically.”

Gee, that’s the spirit! What a professional. Even if you're thinking it, you don't say it.

Here’s another quote: “I basically didn't play the last five games of the season, yet I was fourth on the team in tackles. But they kept talking about how I wasn't a good tackler.”

You can get dragged down the field or run over and eventually make a tackle in the statistical sense. He’s lucky they don’t keep stats on missed tackles, bad angles and patty-cakes.

My intent isn’t to “rip” Schweigert just for fun (although he started it), but rather to simply use him as the latest example of the fresh air that is finally blowing through Oakland, aided by the departure of one underperforming malcontent after another.

So rip away, guys. Bring it on. Add fuel to the Hater fire. Because at the end of the day, you’ll have to do something you’ve rarely done before, which is do your talking on the field (assuming you can earn your way back to the field). At that point, your silence will speak volumes about why you were not part of the solution that is unfolding today in Oakland.

P.S. A reminder about the upcoming Biletnikoff Foundation events on June 1-2, which will feature several Raiders legends. To honor their slain daughter Tracey, Fred and Angela Biletnikoff established their foundation to support young women recovering from substance abuse and provide education for the prevention of domestic violence. See Calico Jack’s story for more information on these events.

The Myths of the AFC West

The arguments against our pick of Darren McFadden are dropping like flies on the heels of Dominic Rhodes, who was released yesterday.

How many times have I already heard from the media that Al Davis couldn’t “resist” McFadden, or that McFadden was “irresistible” to the Raiders? In other words, the Raiders couldn’t help themselves. It sure wasn’t a sensible strategic decision, because…well, that just doesn’t fit the Hater Worldview.

So we hear all this bleating about how running back wasn’t a “need” for the Raiders. Really? We have two guys (I mean, one) who couldn’t crack last year’s starting lineup, a guy who’s never played a snap in the NFL, and a guy who, despite having a “breakout” year, scored a total of four touchdowns in 2007.

Such a running “attack” only becomes formidable when the media need to use it as a convenience to support their preordained assertion that McFadden was “irresistible.”

The problem is that some people are confusing moving the chains with scoring touchdowns. Yes, we racked up some healthy yardage last year. But in the red zone, we were a disaster, as we were the year prior.

Aside from Daunte Culpepper’s fluke trio of rushing touchdowns against the pathetic Miami Dolphins, the Raiders had a total of eight rushing touchdowns in 2007—four less touchdowns than Adrian Peterson alone scored in 14 games last year.

Fargas scored four touchdowns last year (one more than Culpepper), doubling his career total. LaDainian Tomlinson, meanwhile, scored four touchdowns against us on October 14.

It’s not just about moving the chains. It’s about making people miss on third-and-goal at the three-yard line. LaDanian Tomlinson passes for touchdowns. He catches touchdowns. He goes airborne for touchdowns. He jukes for touchdowns. He draws attention that creates open receivers who catch touchdowns. Does Fargas do that? Crickets.

Isn’t it time the Raiders scored some touchdowns, too? I’m not going to compare McFadden to L.T., but who wants to bet me that he won't match Fargas's career total of six touchdowns in his rookie year alone? Any haters in the media want to take me up on that? Didn't think so. So much for not having a "need."

Which brings me to the myth of the AFC West. I keep hearing how, particularly because we play in the AFC West, we should have focused on stopping the run instead of running the ball.

Yet in a bad season last year we still beat the Chiefs once and Broncos once. We easily could have beaten the Broncos twice if not for a botched field goal. And we lost to the Chiefs by two points not because we held them to 12 points, but because we couldn't score more than 10 points ourselves.

So watch out for those big, bad 4-12 Chiefs with Brody Croyle and Larry Johnson? So scary! They put up a whopping 29 points on us last year. And those 7-9 Broncos really ended the season on an up note with their fearsome rushing attack of...who, again? Come on. Quit running scared and start running the ball.

It’s not 2005 anymore, folks. We’re starting to turn the tables. Now they get to worry about our rushing attack. How can you not be pumped up by the thought of that?

Of course, San Diego and L.T. are still a problem (but not just for us, I can assure you), and our rushing defense was, indeed, a train wreck last year.

I believe, however, that our line will be improved this year on the basis of experience and cohesion. I believe that our linebackers are up to the task. I believe that DeAngelo Hall will free up our safeties in the open field. Gibril Wilson bumps Michael Huff to a more natural role, and Stuart “Patty Cake” Schweigert to the bench. You might get 12 yards on us. But the days of the unabated 30-yard romp are coming to an end on the defensive side of the ball (and just getting started on the offensive side of the ball).

The reality, not the myth, is that the Raiders now have the second-best running attack in the AFC West. The reality, not the myth, is that we have nothing to fear from the Broncos and Chiefs in 2008. The reality, not the myth, is that McFadden was a sensible pick who fills a dire need for scoring touchdowns and winning games.

Run DMC Has Haters on Their Heels

Good news, the media are already hating on our selection of McFadden, just as they were mocking us for considering McFadden prior to the draft.

You know you've done something right when the haters are nervous and chattering and making little sense, like saying the McFadden pick fits a typical Raiders pattern despite the fact that we haven't drafted a running back in the second round or higher for 13 years.

Witness this excerpt from the lead paragraph in the San Francisco Chronicle’s editorial—I mean, report—about the pick: "The Raiders, who start and end with Davis, decided outstanding talent trumped obvious need Saturday by drafting Arkansas running back Darren McFadden with the fourth overall pick of the NFL draft."

Ummm…We have an obvious need to score touchdowns, do we not? We're averaging 1.25 offensive touchdowns per game over the past two years, which is sub-pathetic. But that Al Davis, he’s just crazy for drafting a playmaker like Darren McFadden.

After all, in 14 games last year for the Vikings, rookie running back Adrian Peterson only scored as many touchdowns as our entire offense did in 2006.

I also love this argument about how we really shouldn’t have drafted an elite running back, and that we should have instead drafted a defensive lineman because…our top rivals have elite running backs.

In other words, remain scared instead of doing the scaring.

We’re stacked at running back? LaMont Jordan is essentially gone. That leaves us with Rhodes, who could barely crack our starting lineup last year; Bush, who is unproven at this point, and who couldn’t earn activation last year; and Fargas, who has scored six touchdowns for us in five seasons. Fargas has a history of getting injured, as does Bush. If you think any of our opponents was quivering at the thought of our running attack prior to drafting McFadden, I’ve got a bridge to sell you.

So was re-signing Fargas a mistake? No. He'll still play. If you're looking for a money mistake at running back, look no further than last year, when we paid Jordan and Rhodes millions to not play.

The anti-McFadden crowd acts like we’ve done nothing to shore up our defense. How about Gibril Wilson for Stuart Schweigert? How about DeAngelo Hall for Fabian Washington? By putting more pressure on the pass, and by having a safety who can take care of business in the open field, we will, by default, make progress in stopping the run. Kelly, Warren, Burgess, Richardson and company aren’t chopped liver, either.

Another argument I’ve heard is that running backs don’t win championships. Yes, that’s a distinction reserved for defensive tackles, right? How about we stop this nonsense about championships, anyway? How about first do something we haven’t done in five years, which is win at least six games. Then we can talk about championships.

McFadden, Russell, Bush and Miller could help us build a young foundation and offensive identity that, as we continue to plug holes on both sides of the ball over the next few years, could eventually take us to the promised land. That’s how I see it, and I’m all for it.

McFadden will light a fire under this offense. Just watch.

Rise and Shine, Raider Nation

Time to spike your coffee, it's draft day.

I love all these media-fueled lies about how Al Davis can't resist a home-run hitter, which means that he'll pick McFadden.

You mean like Huff, Washington, Gallery, Asomugha, Buchanon, Gibson, Janikowski and Stinchcomb, our top picks in descending order prior to last year? Guys who don't even play home-run hitting positions like DE, WR, QB and RB?

If we pick McFadden, it won't fit a pattern, it will break a pattern, no matter what the media would like you to believe. We haven't selected a running back in the second round or higher since 1995, but the media are bleating about Al Davis and his "patterns" with regard to McFadden. I'll grant you that selecting a DB would be consistent with a pattern. But McFadden? Liars.

Of course, Son of Howie is always welcome in Oakland, and if he's our pick, they should start stitching jerseys on Sunday for sale on the Raider Image, because demand will be high.

Trade down for more picks? Perhaps. But I'd rather have one great pick than a bunch of okay picks. I've had my fill of okay picks over the years. It's time for a home run.

On that note, let your draft day takes rip...

The Case for McFadden

I agree that we should draft the player who fits our most glaring need. However, my opinion is that our most glaring need isn’t a pass rusher or an offensive lineman, but rather a sense of identity. Hence, I’m leaning toward Darren McFadden as our top pick.

Think about it—when is the last time the Raiders had a sense of identity on either side of the ball? What, or rather who, is this team?

It’s time to light things up. It’s time to score some freakin’ touchdowns. It’s time to get the fans excited. It’s time to win some games by plowing through the red zone and putting points on the board.

I disagree with this notion that we’re “stacked” at running back. LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes could barely crack our starting lineup last year. What does that tell you? Michael Bush remains an unproven commodity who was unable to earn activation last year. As for Justin Fargas, don’t get me wrong, I love the guy, but I’m not totally sold on him as a long-term feature back.

Fargas scored four rushing touchdowns last year, the same amount that LaDainian Tomlinson scored against us on October 14. It’s easy to forget that Fargas is not entering his prime, but rather his sixth season. He has rushed for a grand total of six touchdowns during his tenure with the Raiders.

Again, no disrespect to Justin Fargas. I love his attitude, his toughness and what he brings to our offense. He’s a true Raider. I’m just not convinced that he’s a game breaker or a game changer. He’ll move the chains, but will he blow them up? Will he change the game, like an L.T. or an Adrian Peterson?

It’s been too long since we’ve seen fireworks on offense. We’ve shored up our defense, so let’s light up our offense.

Which brings me to the topic of identity. With a promising new quarterback at the helm, fresh talent at wide receiver and an improving offensive line under Tom Cable, I would like to see us field a dynamic, multifaceted rushing attack that will not only torment our opponents, but take some pressure off of the passing game, fire up our fans (and our defense), and ultimately win games. A tandem of Russell and McFadden would go a long way toward achieving an identity on offense.

Here’s how Scott Wright’s web site scouts McFadden in terms of strengths: “An outstanding natural athlete...Has very good size...Excellent timed speed with a burst...Has great vision and instincts...Big play threat who can take it the distance at any time..Elusive with nice feet..Quick and agile...Real strong...Tough and loves contact...Runs hard and does not go down easy...Has decent hands and can be a weapon in the passing game..Plays with a nasty demeanor..Extremely productive… Pure football player with all the physical tools who is as good or perhaps an even better prospect than Adrian Peterson was coming out...A rare talent who should rank amongst the top running backs in the NFL very early in his pro career.”

When was the last time the Raiders took a running back in the third round or higher? That would be Justin Fargas in 2003 in the third round. When was the last time the Raiders took a running back in the second round or higher? That would be Napoleon Kaufman in 1995 in the first round. Since then, we’ve drafted seven DBs in the second round or higher, as well as a kicker and two tight ends in the second round or higher.

It’s time to explore a new priority. It’s time to try something different. It’s time to establish an identity. So if McFadden is still there at number four, he’s my pick.

Raider Nate's Mock Draft

By Raider Nate 75

I think Chris Long falls to us now that the Dolphins made their selection. If he doesn't fall to us, then we trade the pick with Cincinnati so they can pick up McFadden. The Raiders would get the #9 and Chad Johnson; and maybe, just maybe, we could make a run for Frostee Rucker (DE out of USC). But if Chris is there, and the Raiders don't take him, Kansas City will, especially if they lose Jared Allen.

1. Dolphins-Jake Long, OT, Michigan. No surprise here, the Dolphins need a lot of help at every level, and they go with the best player on the board. Second Option: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. He could (and should) be the first overall pick, and he could help keep opposing defenses honest, and Beck or McCown upright and off their back the whole game. It wouldn�t surprise me if they chose McFadden, I just think they are going after Chris Long.

2. Rams-Vernon Gholston, DE, the Ohio State. They pull the first surprise here with this selection. It is long been speculated that the Dolphins would have gone after Chris Long or Vernon Gholston, and went with offensive help instead. Second Option: Chris Long, DE, Virginia.

3. Falcons-Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU. The Falcons need help at every level as well, and though they need OFFENSIVE help badly, they go with a strong DT. Not only do they need a QB, they need a playmaker, and that is what they find in McFadden. Second Option: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas . Yes, they need a QB, but will reserve that pick for later with either Chad Henne or Ryan Carpenter (the sleeper QB in the Draft). They go for the upgrade on defense with Ellis.

4. Raiders-Chris Long, DE, Virginia. Yes Raider Fans, we get our man! Second Option: Trade with the Bengals for 9th overall pick, and Chad Johnson and Frostee Rucker, where we select Sam Baker, OT, USC; while the Bengals select Sedric Ellis, DT, USC.

5. Chiefs-Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee St. They need help against the pass. Help at the CB position is a start, and it will be okay if the keep Jared Allen. Second Option: Chris Long, DE, Virginia if the Raiders don't get him, the Chiefs will.

6. Jets-Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. They need help on offense, especially in this area to help out Thomas Jones. This will give them a 1-2 punch at this position. Second Option: Trade the pick.

7. Patriots-Keith Rivers, OLB, USC. What is the one position they are growing old in, OLB. They are also hurting for a CB after losing 2, and with Rodgers-Cromartie off the board they go with Keith Rivers, and get a CB in the next round. Second Option: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas.

8. Ravens-Limas Sweed, WR, Texas. They need a big time receiver to help them out offensively, and that is what they will get in Sweed. Second Option: DeSean Jackson, WR, California.

9. Bengals-Sedric Ellis, DT, USC. They fill a huge void here, and give help to their defensive line. Second option: Trade pick and Chad Johnson to the Raiders

10. Saints-DeSean Jackson, WR, California. They need help at this position to give Brees some options, and to ease the protection against Bush. Second Option: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas.

11. Bills-Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan. Another team that needs WR help. Second Option: Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami.

12. Broncos-Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St. The Donkeys need to protect Cutler, and help him mature as a QB. Second Option: Keith Rivers, OLB, USC.

13. Panthers-Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas. The Panthers need offensive help, signing Brayton may give them help for Peppers, but they need a playmaker on offense to help their struggling team. Second option: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College.

14. Bears-Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College. They are looking for a QB to give competition to Kyle Orton because Grossman is not panning out. They need help at WR as well, but look for them to make that adjustment in later rounds. Second Option: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon.

15. Lions-Sam Baker, OT, USC. They finally break the streak of choosing a WR. They fill a need at the O-line position. Second Option: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois.

16. Cardinals-Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn. They need help here and at CB. So they go with the big pass rush. Second Option: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt.

17. Vikings-Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville. They need help at this position. They could wait, and get a gem in the later rounds with Ryan Carpenter, but I think they go after Brohm. Second Option: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh.

18. Texans-Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt. Their defense is solid, and they need pass protection help. They will swing for a RB in the later rounds, but they need to focus on O-line. Second Option: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh.

19. Eagles- Sedric Ellis, DT, USC. The Eagles need a WR, but can get one in the 2^nd round, or later. They also have defensive holes to fill, so they select Ellis. Second Option: Malcom Kelly, WR, Oklahoma.

20. Buccaneers-Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. Cadillac Williams is a clunker. They need help on offense at this position, receiver, and O-line. Second Option: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh.

21. Redskins-Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh. They need to protect their new asset in Jason Campbell. Second Option: Reggie Smith, S, Oklahoma.

22. Cowboys-Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas. Losing two CB�s they need help. Second Option: Mike Jenkins, CB, S Florida.

23. Steelers-Branden Albert, OG, Virginia. Replacing Alan Faneca. May be looking at an OT as well. Second Option: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy.

24. Titans-Calais Campbell, DE, Miami. Need to help Kearse who is injury prone. Second Option: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida.

25. Seahawks-Fred Davis, TE, USC. They need help here, and they will find their help. Second Option: Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue.

26. Jaguars-Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida. Losing Marcus Stroud is a HUGE loss for this team�s defense, and they need to fill it if they are going back to the postseason. Second Option: Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson.

27. Chargers-Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy. This is not a team with many holes, but CB and WR seem to glare out. They may also look to replace Turner at RB. Second Option: Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida.

28. Cowboys-Chauncey Washington, RB, USC. Losing Jones was huge, and though they have Barber, they need help in this area as well. Second Option: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida.

29. 49ers-Chad Henne, QB, Michigan. Not satisfied with the play of Alex Smith, they need to bring competition in. Second Option: Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College.

30. Packers-Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida. Woodson and Harris are aging. Though they are solid, this could be a potential hurting place.

31. Patriots-pick forefeited for cheating.

32. Giants-Jerod Mayo, MLB, Tennessee. The best MLB in the draft, and a HUGE need for the Giants. Second Option: Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami.

The Next Hour

I feel like an absentee landlord who isn’t taking care of the building, and who is thankful that the tenants aren’t pulling the plumbing out of the walls in protest. Thanks to everyone who is keeping the lights on while I abdicate my responsibilities.

Life is good, and so is my health, but I've decided to pursue a more rigorous diet. My concerns are genetic in nature, and unrelated to chronic exposure to Jerry Porter and Barry Sims, or to radioactive traces of LaMont Jordan. So I’m watching my salt and my caffeine and everything else besides oatmeal and leafy greens. No big deal.

Which, oddly enough, brings me to the Raiders. My diet for the team seems to be changing as well.

I’ve gorged on the Raiders here since September of 2005. Now, 425 posts later, my brain has unexpectedly urged me to go on a diet, for the sake of my mental health. So I’ve been playing hooky. I must confess I’ve enjoyed it. I haven’t been paying too much attention to the draft board, and I can’t tell you what Chris Long eats for breakfast or how many tattoos Darren McFadden has, and I must admit that my ignorance has brought a measure of bliss.

Of course, none of this helps my credibility as a Raiders blogger, but I’m just trying to be as honest as possible, because that’s what the regulars here have been with me. I could pretend that I’ve been wearing a Mel Kiper wig and analyzing round six by candlelight, but that’s just not the case.

I’m just flat tuckered out by the drama, the speculation and, quite frankly, the caring. It’s not that I no longer care. I just sent my first payment for season tickets. I’m still totally “in,” as some like to say. I’m just suffering from “care fatigue” at the moment. I’m not sure if you care about any of this, and I certainly understand if you don’t. I just don’t want to let the paint peel without an explanation.

Let’s be honest—this year got off to a terrible start. Lane Kiffin later confirmed the obvious and pretty much admitted to some serious internal issues, which thankfully seem to have settled down. Who’s to blame? Who cares at this point. What’s unavoidable is that we can’t afford to create new issues, because we’re already plagued with issues. The more error, the slimmer the margin for it. It's common sense.

But then the tide started to turn, at least on paper. Terminal scholarships (Porter, Sims, etc.) were terminated. Sure, we overspent on some guys, but it beats not spending at all. There’s no question that the personnel music is being faced, and that new talent and a new attitude are taking root in Oakland.

I heard a guy on ESPN Radio a few weeks ago, saying that the Raiders were the worst franchise in sports after the New York Knicks. Nice analysis. We’re not even the worst franchise in our division—the Chiefs are in the crapper again, and they’ve never really been out of it, have they? When’s the last time the Chiefs did anything significant in the playoffs, the few times they’ve reached them? Unlike the Raiders, I haven’t seen the Broncos or the Chargers in the Super Bowl in the 21^st century, either.

Even as the Raiders rise from the dead, the Haters just can’t help dancing on our alleged grave. This is their hour. The next will be ours.

Anyhow, who cares? I guess I do after all.

The Magicians

By Raider Nate 75

I remember as a young kid, my dad was always freaking me out. One of his favorites was the "look I can pull my thumb off at the knuckle" hand trick. We've all seen it, and we've probably done it.

When he first married my mom, they had cabinets above their closet, and he would hide in these cabinets and jump down and scare the bejesus out of her. Yes, they're still married.

When I was seven, they took me to see a magician who did all of the classic tricks. Sawing a woman in half, making things disappear and reappear, card tricks, etc. I was amazed by all of this. Why? Because I could not understand that they were “tricks.” In my mind, it was real. At such a young age, what I perceived and saw was real, and I was too young to wrap my mind around the idea that it was staged, and that the magician wasn't really sawing the lady in half. My argument was, "What do you mean it wasn't real? I saw it with my own eyes."

I could understand movies being fake, because I went to Universal Studios a lot as a kid, and we would see stunt shows, and they would talk about the tricks they use on camera; but what I was seeing on stage with the magician was live, not on film. My parents would argue and argue and argue with me endlessly on the subject; but they couldn't get me to believe that it was fake because: a) I saw it with my own eyes; and b) they couldn't replicate the trick, or show me how it was done.

So what's the point of all of this? To me, this is what is going on with the Raiders this offseason. As has been mentioned, Lane Kiffin has not been seen by the media since the Combine. But as well, neither has Al Davis. All we have heard, and continue to hear, is how Lane is going to lose his job, and is going to lose it soon. This rumor has been printed over and over since January.

The media have been backtracking on their story that he was going to be fired before the Senior Bowl, and then Combine; and now it's the Draft. After that, it will be, "he is gone before camps." Some writers have already trumped everything in between, and said the blanket statement, "He will be gone before the next season." This is despite the fact that Lane (at the Senior Bowl), Caveman, and the Raiders' PR spokesman denying these rumors. Let's not forget, too, that Caveman was going to be fired; and that rumor started the Monday after the regular season ended!

This has left the Nation in an uproar of questions. Is this a smokescreen? Is it the truth? I'd normally believe it to be a smokescreen, but now local trusted writers are writing these rumors. I know I can't convince some of you that this is all staged, and a "magician's trick." What you perceive is what you believe, and what I perceive is what I believe as well. This is why I think it is a trick; all of these stories are based on "perception" and there is little facts to these things that we know. What's going on? Let's look at the facts:

1. The rumors of Kiffin's demise are still largely printed. They are rumors because nobody in the Raiders' organization is denying nor confirming these stories. They have in the recent month or so, but not since before the Combine.

2. Kiffin, Rob Ryan, James Lofton, Al Davis, Amy Trask, Tom Jackson, and Tom Cable are all still on the team page.

3. Nobody has seen or heard from Lane Kiffin or Al Davis since the Combine (and the comments by both were the same, "No comment").

4. For that matter, nobody has seen Rob Ryan since the Combine!

5. Kiffin interviewed Lofton, and was hired by Al Davis.

6. We don't know if Al and Lane were at the free agent signings we have made.

7. We don't know if Al and Lane are even involved in the negotiations; or just involved at the "approval" level.

8. We know that Lane is at the headquarters every day

9. We don't know what he is doing at the headquarters every day, but it is speculated he is throwing chairs in anger.

10. My guess is as good as your guess.

These are the facts that we know this offseason. They’re pretty broad. There is not one editor alive that is going to allow a story to be printed where the basis of these facts are the headlines. If the reporters, even the local reporters, were to print the headline "Nobody Knows What is Happening Inside the Raiders Organization," then all they are showing is they have failed their jobs, and their credibility as a "team reporter" becomes no better than yours or mine.

So they write stories with phrases like, "an inside source who chose to remain anonymous" or "someone close to the team with knowledge" or "an anonymous source close to the situation.” Again, all of these stories are based on perception, just like a magician.

Do I like what's going on? No. I think it is dividing the fan base, and I think it is hurting their image of “change.” I don't think it would be a big deal if we were winning, but we are not winning. I feel that these illusions of turmoil from within damage the overall image that we know where we are going and how we are going to get there. It creates doubt in the hope that we as fans have in a return to glory.

But I can't help to think of the immortal words of my dad when I was five: "Hey son, look at this. I can pull my thumb off at my knuckle."

4th and Long

By PantyRaider:

Maybe it’s time we all took a deep breath and a look back….at least as far back as “06”….da “Art Shell” Era.

But first a little of the “NOW“….at present fans are calling for SOB’s head and Kiffin “Run-Out-a-Dodge” and MrD’s funeral….Wow!….What up wit all da “HateTrippin” bro’s?

March “06” newly hired HC ArtShell attends an award banquet put on by the “Raiders Booster Clubs” and the “Steering Committee” for DE Derrick Burgess along with several “D” players….Could be a relationship was formed in the process….I don’t really know but that’s just my speculation….During the season Coach Shell preached “Toughness” and it appeared that his “D” bought into it….However all the credit was attributed to “SOB” by posters here saying it was “Hands-Off” the “D” for Coach Shell….Remember…I surely do…

The “O” did not buy into it and Coach Shell and his “B-n-B” Coordinator were blamed for everything bad with the Raiders….But remember “SOB” was praised for everything good about his “D”….Interesting….because just a year later when that “D” with the same players and the same Coordinator (minus Coach Shell preaching Toughness) fell on it’s collective freaking asses and “Crap”ed all over the field the “Postah”s are calling for “SOB”s head….Yap!…Must have been “Hands-Off”…Right???..Can’t argue with history…or the record…or stats….or that big “Egg” in the middle of the freakin field “07”….

Now let’s look at the end of “06” when posters were campaigning for “SOB” as Coach….But instead “MrD” brought us his youngest coach ever in Kiffin. The Mediots had a field day…..The big word was “It’s a Mistake”…Should have promoted “SOB” because now we will lose him to some other team and he will “Kick Our Asses Off”….Remember?

OK…So in March of “07” the “Raiders Booster Clubs” -n- the “Steering Committee” hold an award banquet for CB Nnamdi Asomugha and guess who was NOT at the banquet….That’s right….Coach Kiffin….Now did you here anything big-n-bad coming down from his absence……NOT that I can recall….In fact I doubt that most hear even knew it happened….At least not until lately when I searched the “Net” -n- Posted it…..Yap!…Unforgivable…a NO-Show….

The “07” record is history and that “D” was one of the worst ever by a Raider team….What else can be said about that except ….(they must have really missed Shell’s influence)….Coach Kiffin was unable to inspire them….Whoops!….I’m sorry….”SOB” was unable to coach “HIS” freakin “D”….(must have had a brain-fart and lost all his ability as coach).

So now we get to the “NOW”….That thankless “HC” of the Raiders was unwilling to show respect for his players-n-fans and did not attend an award banquet put on by the “Raiders Booster Clubs” -n- da “Steering Committee” for RB Justin Fargas….That is totally inexcusable and we want his head on a platter…..-n- Yada!! Yada!! Yada!!!!….

Bet ya all missed the point didn’t ya….It was a freakin “Fan Event”…..NOT a “Team Event”…..In “06” “SOB” was invited but did not attend….So freakin what….Did you hear anything about that….NO….It was his “D” player and he was a “NO-Show”….Inexcusable….Right???….Guess what…he was also a No-Show in “07” for another “D” player….Ya’ll hate his ass yet….

So now to the point of this whole stupid thing….”How long are some of you fans going to keep allowing the Mediot’s to play you like “Puppets"…Every freakin' time they write some sort of ridiculous “Crap“ ya‘ll become “Dysfunctional“….Myself….I‘m kinda glad to see Coach Kiffin-n-”MrD” playing the Mediot's like Puppets and getting all that free “Pub”….

I believe the “HC”-n- Owner showed all the love needed when they awarded that RB with all that “Cash” and that new contract that I heard so many people “Bitchin” about….That was appreciation where it counted….

“Dysfunctional Raider Nation”…Raidah Style…

PantyRaider….Just-Supportin-Baby!!!!

Note: Thanks to PantyRaider for sharing this take. This is one in a series of “guest takes,” with the intent of celebrating the different voices and perspectives of the Raider Nation.

Here Comes DeAngelo?

Sorry that I’ve been out of circulation. I’ve been locked in my garage with a bottle of Jack Daniels, mourning the departures of Jerry Porter and Barry Sims. Ha, ha, ha. Just kidding.

I’ve just been awakened by the news that cornerback DeAngelo Hall is headed to Oakland for a second round pick, pending contract negotiations in the neighborhood of $50+ million. This is according to the guy who wrote the story about Mr. Davis ghostwriting Lane Kiffin’s resignation letter, so take it with a grain or two of salt until the ink is dry on Hall's contract.

By the way, can we shave the contract by about $1 million and put that money toward more porta-potties in tailgate territory? DeAngelo can spare a little extra for our beleaguered bladders, can’t he?

Seriously, though, I’m excited to have Hall’s talent headed our way, if not his reputation. We’ve now assigned $100 million total to DeAngelo Hall (if this report is true) and Javon Walker, two guys with character baggage. I know, a lot of that is funny money, but it’s staggering nonetheless.

Will Hall’s arrival be a slap in the face to Nnamdi, who’s looking, and waiting, for his own pot of gold in Oakland? And is DB the best place to be spending tons of money on free agents right now? Is Hall worth a second-round pick in addition to all that money, given our other needs?

I’m not sure about the answers to those questions, but I can tell you that I’m starting to get excited by our personnel activities—not just incoming players but outgoing as well. At this point in time, different automatically equals better in my book, especially at positions like receiver and safety.

We are clearly upgrading our talent and potential. If we can upgrade our chemistry along the way (from the locker room on up), then we might see some rather minty fresh performances in 2008.

The Realist's Draft Scenario

By Raiderrealist:

Now that the coin flip is over and we know our draft position, it’s time to go over likely scenarios for the upcoming draft.

Imagine, if you will, that you are Lane Kiffin/Al Davis/The-Man-Behind-the-Silver & Black Curtain who decides whom the Raiders will pick on draft day. Decide what the team needs and prioritize them. Add Darren McFadden to the offensive punch or shore up the porous defense with Chris Long/Glenn Dorsey/Sedrick Ellis? Keep the 4^th pick or try to trade down for more picks? Keep in mind that some of our needs can be met through free agency.

As for the likely draft day scenario, this is what I see happening:

1. MIA: Chris Long/Glenn Dorsey
2. STL: Chris Long/Glenn Dorsey/Jake Long
3. ATL: Matt Ryan/Darren McFadden

Unfortunately I just don't see Chris Long falling to us at Number Four come draft day. This leaves the Raiders with a choice of the best of what's left of Sedrick Ellis/Glenn Dorsey/Darren McFadden/Jake Long. Or, we could try and trade down. You make the call.

As for me, I'm looking at this preliminary list:

RD1. DT Sedrick Ellis

RD2. LT Sam Baker

RD4. C Jamey Richard

RD6. SS Caleb Campbell

RD7. Best of what's left.

Why Ellis over LT Jake Long? Tom Cable's zone blocking scheme. He was able to take virtually the same players from the 2006 "saloon-door" offensive line and have them give up far fewer sacks and open up holes that helped Justin Fargas gain more than 1,000 yards rushing while only starting in seven games.

The defense, however, was just the opposite in making nearly every running back that faced them look like the second coming of Jim Brown. Hence my pick.

As for wide receiver, I'd look at bringing in either Bernard Berrian or Bryant Johnson through free agency.

Note: Thanks to Raiderrealist for sharing this take. This is the second in what promises to be a series of “guest takes,” with the intent of celebrating the different voices and perspectives of the Raider Nation. Stay tuned for PantyRaider's trade take.

Time to Cut Ties with Kiffin?

By NY Raider:

It really hurts me to say this, but in light of recent reports that Lane Kiffin has been absentee from the Combine (or a ghost at best), and considering the blitzkrieg of negative media since the season ended, it may be best for the Raiders and Kiffin to part ways.

At the very least, the Raiders have a real problem with public relations, and have allowed negative perception to overwhelm their offseason. As you might guess, I am a firm believer in the old axiom that "perception is reality."

Of course, just because the media write something doesn’t mean I will perceive it to be true. In this case, I have spent the offseason thus far scouring media reports and listening to, and reading, fan (the consumer) reactions, as well as introspecting my own 30+ years experience as a diehard Raiders fan, and gauging my perception accordingly.

At this juncture, from a public relations standpoint, I must believe that the Raiders want people to perceive they are in turmoil. If so, then job well done. Yet, I can’t believe that this would benefit them in any way, particularly now with free agency and the 2008 NFL Draft quickly approaching.

Is Lane Kiffin so mad at the media or Al Davis that he can’t participate with his assistant coaches on the field during Combine workouts, or even walk through public areas of the facility?

While I was willing to believe the optimists after the Senior Bowl who claimed Kiffin didn’t wear Raiders’ gear because of sponsorship obligations, I refuse to believe that it has carried over to the Combine. Why isn’t he showing his colors?

There’s no valid reason to allow this charade to continue. We need a head coach who bleeds Silver and Black, and who believes that to wear any other colors would be like not dressing at all. We need a coach who is on board and available immediately to help make critical decisions for 2008 and beyond.

It’s quite possible that Lane Kiffin is a victim of misrepresented job authority, or that he has simply overstepped the boundaries of his job description.

As Jerry McDonald put it, “Kiffin is viewed as being stuck in an organization where Davis is essentially the owner, the general manager, the personnel director, the scouting department and the defacto defensive coordinator—all at age 78.”

I grew up admiring Mr. Davis. He is, in large part, the reason I became a Raiders fan. Far be it for me or anyone else to tell Mr. Davis that he can’t perform all those critical functions himself.

Many of us admired Kiffin for calling out the “whole building” after the final game in 2007, and we saw his ambition and believed him capable of returning the Raiders to greatness.

Unfortunately, his ambition wasn’t the greatness of the Raiders’ past, but the greatness that could be the Raiders’ future. That was his undoing.

Note: Thanks to NY Raider for sharing this take. This is the first in what promises to be a series of “guest takes,” with the intent of celebrating the different voices and perspectives of the Raider Nation.

Chuck and Stuff

Lane Kiffin isn’t fired.

James Lofton is hired.

Lane loves Rob, Al loves Lane, and Amy loves everyone.

Jarrod Cooper has a big heart for dogs.

Tyler Brayton is officially a free agent—calming my worries that we might franchise him.

Justin Fargas has signed.

Nnamdi’s getting tagged.

Former Raiders quarterback Josh Booty got Tasered.

Have I missed anything?

Oh, yeah: PantyRaider is back. And if you don’t know what that means, then you need to come around here more often.

It’s been relatively slow going on Raiders news recently, and perhaps no big news is good news, because the last time we had “big news,” it was of dubious detail, and only served to deliver an alarming spike in our collective blood pressure.

Meanwhile, over in Miami: “In the Dolphins’ first major player purge since Parcells took charge of Miami’s football operations, the team parted ways with Trent Green, wide receiver Marty Booker, defensive tackle Keith Traylor, right tackle L.J. Shelton and five other players—ushering in the start of what's expected to be a massive offseason roster shakeup by the rebuilding franchise.”

Say what you will about the Dolphins, but they’re sending their fans pretty strong signals of change, top to bottom. None of this “everyone gets a fresh start.” None of this “wait and see.” They aren’t remodeling. They’re razing the house and rebuilding an entirely new culture, from the executive offices through the locker room.

It’s a little late for that in Oakland. The time for that would have been last year, when Shell was shown the door and the stage was set for a massive overhaul.

I don’t point this out to be pessimistic, but rather just to be realistic, and to heckle those who say that swift, decisive and wholesale change can’t be telegraphed immediately following the end of a dreadful season.

Thankfully, we are undergoing our own form of overhaul under Lane Kiffin. Slowly but surely, the tide is being turned, the scholarships are being terminated, and aromas of mint are in the air.

Stopping the run and catching the ball are, in my opinion, our top concerns at the moment. Here we have our cannon loaded with Jamarcus Russell, but no one deep to catch the cannonball.

As for stopping the run, the defensive line is only part of the problem, which goes as deep as the safety position, if not deeper. On Sirius radio the other day, Daryl Johnston was talking about watching the tape from the Raiders-Vikings game last year, and remarking about our defense’s dreadful fundamentals and tackling. He wasn’t saying it in the manner of someone who had an axe to grind, but more like someone who’d happened upon a train wreck and had to tell some friends about it. I remember that game, and he’s right. Rob Ryan, you may not have a roster of Pro Bowlers at your disposal, but it’s your responsibility to ensure that basic fundamentals are respected and applied.

It comes down to “chuck and stuff.” Chuck the ball, stuff the run. These aren’t the sum total of our needs, but they are at the top of my list. At some point you have to triage and prioritize. We can't count on the draft or free agency. We need to work these needs hard through the draft and free agency. We need to be active, aggressive and focused, and I think we will be. Here we go again, because the future is now.

Zero Sum Game

If the reports about Lane Kiffin being under fire are true, then we’ve entered a zero sum game.

Most fans are siding with Kiffin. Others are suggesting that if Kiffin doesn’t want to stay in Oakland, he deserves the boot.

Therefore, the Raiders are either bent on undermining a force of positive change, a coach who had finally steered our lost ship in the right direction. Or…the Raiders want to cut ties to a guy who is disloyal, and who wasn't really such hot stuff in the first place.

If it’s the former scenario, that's bad.

If it’s the latter scenario, it’s equally bad, because it would mean that the Raiders organization, after five years, 61 losses and four head coaching hires, has remained incapable of establishing any form of consistency, continuity or direction, which would amount to organizational incompetence of the highest order.

Zero sum game.

How many second chances do the Raiders get with their paying customers? At what point does loyalty yield to outrage? Where does the buck stop? These are questions that many fans are rightfully asking themselves, even if we might have different answers.

Immediately after learning about the original ESPN report and gauging initial reaction from the Raider Nation, I posted a take suggesting that, if the report wasn’t true, the Raiders should issue a formal statement repudiating the report, with a vote of confidence from Al Davis supporting his head coach.

Some questioned my assertion that Al Davis needs to say something. Well, no, he doesn't need to say anything. That wasn’t my point.

My point was that he “should” say something. Why? Because fans don't “need” to renew their season tickets. Because fans don't “need” to follow the team. Because fans don't “need” to care. Everyone has a choice, including Mr. Davis.

I am in no way agitating for fans to abandon ship. Also, if this story is a fabrication, then our wrath should be directed at ESPN like never before.

However, there is a reason why so many fans, so suddenly, reacted so forcefully to this report, and the reason is rooted in the unnerving ongoing uncertainty regarding the direction and identity of the team, and the vacuum of communication between the organization and its fans, which may be part of the "Raider Way," but which is also becoming increasingly bad business.

I have been taken to task by many for suggesting that the organization improve its communication and clarify its direction. None of my business, I was told. Okay. But the gap between “none of my business” and “bad business” is rapidly closing.

Even if the ESPN report is false, it unfortunately speaks to a larger truth, which is evident in the negative fan reaction over the weekend. You heard me right: even if the reports are false, a truth has nevertheless been revealed.

Some will argue with the negative reaction. Well, the reaction is what it is. It’s raining today. I can argue about it, but I’m still going to get wet. When the vast majority of your customers are outraged, saying they shouldn’t be outraged is tantamount to arguing with the weather.

Since December, my mood about the Raiders has darkened. Something just didn’t feel right to me. I felt that we could have done a lot better in 2007, and I wondered why we didn’t, and what we were doing to rectify the situation. Long regarded as an optimist, I was suddenly cast as a pessimist. Here’s why:

1) I argued that we should remain concerned about lingering organizational dysfunction that is likely beyond Lane Kiffin’s control.

2) To those who were putting all of their eggs in Kiffin’s basket, I preached caution. To those who suggested that Kiffin has true authority to make key decisions regarding staff and personnel, I asked for firm evidence of such.

3) I was unwilling to view the 2007 season as an acceptable measure of progress.

4) I pressed for an end to the growing excuses and wishful thinking that have resulted in lowered standards in some fans regarding what we should expect from the organization, specifically in regard to its executive operations, on-field performance and fan relations.

These positions were viewed by many as pessimistic as of Friday, but today look downright tame compared to the fan reaction I’m reading.

Since these reports broke, I have been measured in my comments, unwilling to jump to conclusions. But I must say that it doesn’t look good. We haven’t heard from Al Davis, which does make me wonder, as does Kiffin’s non-denial. With all of the actors (Kiffin, Trask, etc.) sounding so stiff and rehearsed, there’s no way that this is just all a big media-fueled misunderstanding, and that things are just peachy between Lane Kiffin and the Oakland Raiders.

Which means that we’ve either alienated a solid head coach, or that we’ve saddled ourselves with yet another bad one. In other words, depending on your perspective, we’ve wasted a great opportunity or yet again demonstrated remarkable organizational incompetence.

Such is the zero sum game that faces the Raider Nation today.

The Truth Will Set Us Free

I don’t know if there is any truth to the rumor that Al Davis has asked Lane Kiffin to resign, as alleged in an ESPN report citing unnamed sources. According to this report, Mr. Davis has gone so far as to draft a resignation letter for Kiffin to sign, but Kiffin is instead daring Mr. Davis to fire him. The report alludes to serious friction between the two.

If there is no truth to the rumor, I would advise the Raiders to release a brief statement quoting Al Davis along the following lines:

“The rumors originating from the ESPN report are categorically false on all points. Lane Kiffin is integral to our long-term plan of building a championship team. Our fans should know the truth.”

In fact, the Raiders were recently inspired to make a similarly formal statement on behalf of Rob Ryan. If they can do it for their defensive coordinator, they can do it for their head coach. Who knows, a statement might be in the works this very second. It won’t be a second too soon.

John Herrera, a senior team executive, has already been quoted as saying, “It’s not an issue. Lane’s the coach.” Thank you, John, but I’d like to hear it from the man upstairs.

Kiffin himself was rather coy earlier this week when asked about his alleged differences with Ryan, pretending he'd never heard about the rumors. Wow, what surefire endorsement of Ryan.

As Calico Jack stated in an earlier comment: “John Herrera's statement leaves doubt in most of our minds. The comments from Kiffin leave doubts in our minds. This doubt needs to be erased once and for all.”

If the ESPN report is not true, it would be mightily unfortunate that the Raiders have once again been irresponsibly maligned by a careless media outlet. It happens a lot, as I have documented on these pages for the past three years.

Nevertheless, this report has created a bit of a crisis, as evident in fan outcry here and elsewhere. And effective crisis communications has nothing to do with the origins of the crisis, but the quality of the communication.

Therefore if the report is not true, then it should be officially refuted and repudiated, point by point. If it is true, or if parts of it are true, well…Let’s not go there, shall we?