Skip to main content

One Important Note


We have a new coach, who wants more balance and not "run, run, run, punt." This is a good sign. This isn't like we have to revamp the entire staff. Besides Kiffin, the entire staff is in place. We shouldn't let our emotions take over and begin to drink the media Kool-Aid about "adjusting to a new head coach." How hard is it to continue to do your duties at work when you have a new boss two levels up, but all your coworkers and managers remain the same? Not much really changes. Nothing that should negatively impact the team.

This is one very important game. For Al Davis, for the Raiders, and for Tom Cable. The most important factor in the game will be this: Raiders coming off a bye, Saints coming off a short week. This gives us a distinct advantage in preparation and health. I wonder if the team is watching the game tonight?

The matchups to watch:

Thomas Howard vs. Reggie Bush
Raiders Secondary vs Drew Brees
Fargas, McFadden, Bush vs. Saints D Line

Look for a huge day from our return game. Playing on turf you will see some very fast Branch and Higgins returns. Special Team's could be a huge factor.

Cable seems to have settled in. If a Head Coach learns that Al Davis is going to be Al Davis, then you will again see success. Al Davis is going to need appeasement. If the boss suggests something, consider it. If you believe it isn't going to work, prove that to him. Jon Gruden did this by putting video together for Davis on why he didn't think it would work. However, no telling when Al Davis will have an idea that the coach determines could work. Davis is still a very smart football man, no doubt. Too many coaches have an ego. You aren't the end all in Oakland. Remember, Davis is the only GM/Owner in the league that has also been a very successful football coach. has Davis changed since Madden and Flores? My guess is he was very much the same then as he is now, but winning cures everything. Madden and Flores won, Davis didn't feel the need to give his input when things were working on the field. We know Davis doesn't believe in any other off-the-field progress. So Kiffn's progress off the field worked, but his Run, Run, Run, Punt philosphy didn't work on the field. Ultimately, Kiffin, Ran, Ran, Ran his mouth and got punted.

I wasn't going to bring up Kiffin again, but I had reflected on if any coach could be successful with Davis. I believe it is possible, if they just appease the man that writes the checks.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Oakland Raiders Swing for the Fences in 2016 NFL Draft

[embed align="center"]http://gty.im/153039819[/embed] These aren't your daddy's Oakland Raiders or even your younger self's Raiders. If anything, these are your newborn's Raiders or your puppy's Raiders. These are the Raiders we've never seen before. Indicative of the freshness of the franchise was their 2016 NFL Draft. No longer slave to a high draft pick and desperate needs, the theme of the draft for the Raiders was upside. It's as if general manager Reggie McKenzie got so used to hitting his draft picks out of the park that he started swinging for the fences. We'll have to wait a couple of years before we know if he struck out or if he'll continue his Ruthian ways. First, McKenzie boldly went with a safety at No. 14 overall. Kyle Joseph is coming off a torn ACL and fills a major need, but safety isn't a premium position. Only a handful of safeties have been drafted in the first 14 picks in the last 15 years and include names like Ea...
Post a Comment
Read more

Oakland Raiders' Studs and Duds From Preseason Week 1

[embed]http://gty.im/484069738[/embed] The Oakland Raiders finally look like a competitive football team again. That should be the biggest takeaway from their preseason rout of the St. Louis Rams. Quarterback Derek Carr and the offense looked significantly improved from a year ago, thanks in large part to some of the studs listed below. The starting defense was still a little shaky, but there were still a few bright spots. Overall, the Raiders can feel good about their first live action of the year, especially since there appeared to be no significant injuries to come out of it. Studs Rodney Hudson Of all general manager Reggie McKenzie's offseason acquisitions, he committed the most money to center Rodney Hudson. Offensive linemen rarely get the praise they deserve, but a great offensive line as anchored in the middle can be huge for an offense. Hudson was very solid in his debut against a very good defensive front. If Hudson and the offensive line can consistently protect Carr an...
3 comments
Read more

Looking Forward: Raiders 2012 Free Agents

Khalif Barnes - Weakest link on the offensive line with youth behind him. Raiders will look for for other options. It's not as if there aren't a dozen Khalif's on the street each year. Darryl Blackstock - Was a Chuck Bresnahan guy, but found a home on special teams. Would have to make the team as a reserve LB and special teams guy next training camp. Wouldn't be surprised to see him back as a camp body or gone entirely. Kyle Boller - Hue didn't have enough confidence to turn to Boller. Expect the Raiders to look elsewhere for a backup to Carson Palmer. Jerome Boyd - Was nothing more than a reserve and special teams player. Some good moments and some very bad ones. Camp body again and fate will depend on the defensive coordinator. Tyvon Branch - About the only consistent producer in the secondary. Raiders will want to bring him back. Desmond Bryant - He's been great in limited action and can play inside and out. Key reserve. Michael Bush - He'll find a home a...
16 comments
Read more