The Eye Patch

Chester McGlockton Dies

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:45:00 +0000

Stanford University announced that former Raiders defensive lineman Chester McGlockton died of an apparent heart attack today. McGlockton played 6 seasons for the Raiders (1992-97), before moving on to play for the Kansas City Chiefs (1998-00), Denver Broncos (2001-02) and New York Jets (2003).

“Everyone in the Stanford Football family is deeply saddened by the passing of Chester McGlockton,” said Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football David Shaw. “For the past two seasons, Chester has been a valuable member of our football staff and a wonderful friend to us all.”

The Raiders drafted McGlockton in the 1st round in 1992. He would make four Pro Bowl appearances during his 12 year NFL career.

The big defender spent the last two seasons working for Stanford as a D-line coach. Several news sources report that McGlockton woke up complaining of chest pain.

McGlockton leaves behind his wife Zina and two children. He was 42 years old.

End of an Era: Al Davis 1929-2011

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 15:25:00 +0000

Enigmatic Raiders owner Al Davis has died at age 82. His passing ends a legendary career as NFL head coach, commissioner and owner. The 1992 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee had been suffering from poor health for several years.

"Based on personal achievement, team achievement and contributions to the game, no one has had a more profound and lasting impact on professional football," Davis' biography says on the team's website, Raiders.com.

The team posted a large tribute to Davis on the team's website, also noting that more information will be posted today, regarding the circumstances of his death.

RIP Al

Raiders grab Pryor in Sup Draft

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:19:00 +0000

The Raiders decided Terrelle Pryor was worth a 3rd round pick in next year's NFL Draft. The decision was an easy one for a team still in search of the next great passer. While Jason Campbell is a serviceable QB, he's never going to take a team to the top.

Pryor is a steal as a 3rd rounder in my opinion, so this was a gamble worth rolling the dice on.

Howard to Bengals

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0000

CSN is reporting Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard will sign with the Cincinnati Bengals. QB Bruce Gradkowski is also rumored to be interested in inking a deal with the Bengals.

Cooper Carlisle's days are apparently over in Oakland as well, after he was cut by the Raiders on Thursday.

RIP Skip Thomas

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:42:00 +0000

From Daily News Dispatches

Former Oakland Raiders cornerback Alonzo "Skip" Thomas, one of the more colorful members of the club's first Super Bowl championship team, died in Kansas on Sunday of an apparent heart attack. Thomas, a seventh-round draft pick out of USC in 1972, played six NFL seasons, all with the Raiders, and was on the 1976 team that beat Minnesota in Super Bowl XI. His death at age 61 comes just three days shy of the one-year anniversary of the death of former teammate and close friend Jack Tatum.

Thomas started in the defensive backfield along with Tatum, cornerback Willie Brown and strong safety George Atkinson in a defensive backfield dubbed the "Soul Patrol." Thomas was an imposing physical specimen who loved to play the intimidator, nicknaming himself "Dr. Death."

Thomas was one of the unsung heroes of the Raiders dynasty days, playing second fiddle to bigger name players Brown, Atkinson and Tatum. I will always remember him as a big hitter that was an imposing player because of his size.

Raider Nation lost one of its own.

Wisniewski? Really?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 23:52:00 +0000

The Raiders pulled another "we're smarter than all of you" cards out on the second day of the 2011 NFL Draft, by taking OL Stefan Wisniewski, the nephew of former Raiders lineman Steve Wisniewski (now O-Line coach).

Pro Football Weekly had Wisnieswki ranked 134th on their list of draft eligible players, but the Raiders used the 48th overall selection (16th pick of the 2nd round) to take the 6'3", 297 lb lineman out of Penn State.

There's no doubt the Raiders need to shore up the O-Line, but this pick is yet another head scratcher. After Oakland seemed to clean up its act last season with the selection of Rolando McClain, they pull another Darius Heyward-Bey by taking Wisniewski.

It wasn't the 7th overall pick (the one they used to take Heyward-Bey), but with the likes of Clint Boling, Marcus Gilbert and Marcus Cannon still available, you have just shake your head and wonder what's going on once again in Alameda.

Henderson arrested on gun charges

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:18:00 +0000

WBBH in Fort Myers, Florida, reported that Raiders offensive lineman Mario Henderson as arrested early Thursday morning for carrying a concealed firearm.

Henderson was pulled over in downtown Fort Myers for playing his music too loud and when asked if he had any weapons in the car, Henderson said there was a gun in the glove box.

"The gun was actually between the driver's seat and the center console," WBBH reported. "A records check revealed Henderson did not have a concealed firearm permit."

Gallery Won't Return

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:37:00 +0000

Reports out of Alameda indicate the O-liner Robert Gallery will not return next season.

Gallery released the following statement:

"With the end of the league year coming today, and the few conversations I've had with the Raiders and Mr. Davis, we've come to a mutual agreement that it's time for me to move on with my career," Gallery said Thursday from his home in the Oakland area. "I appreciate the start that they and Mr. Davis gave me and I truly have enjoyed my time wearing the silver and black. I wish them well, I thank the fans and I take away great memories of my time in Oakland."

Donald Rumsfeld thinks the Raider are "Evil"

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:05:00 +0000

Former US Defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld gave his opinions on the Raiders in a recent interview with the Financial Times.

The interview was done on Super Bowl Sunday, and when interviewer Gideon Rachman asked Rumsfeld on his views about who would win the Super Bowl, Rumsfeld threw in his support for the Steelers.

Here's why. He doesn't like the Raiders.

Rachman explains.

As we get ready to part, we resort to the standard topic for male banter – sport. The Super Bowl – the most important game of the American football season – is being played that night, and Rumsfeld asks if I will be supporting the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Green Bay Packers. I say I like the Steelers, because I have memories of watching them play some epic games against the Oakland Raiders, in my first visits to the United States in the 1970s. “Oh nobody could support the Raiders,” he says, “they’re evil.” At this the retired boss of the Pentagon laughs heartily, and strolls back to his office and his archive of documents.

Regardless of your opinions on Rumsfeld. He got his pick wrong, which should be no surprise to anyone.

Raiders Ink Seymour to Two-Year Deal

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:21:00 +0000

SI.com is reporting that the Raiders have signed Richard Seymour to a two-year deal worth $30 million. The veteran defender was given the Raiders franchise tag last season after being acquired from the New England Patriots in 2009.

Extending a career well beyond the NFL average, Seymour will enter his 11th NFL campaign next season.He's racked up 452 combined career tackles and 48.5 sacks, including 9.5 in his two seasons with the Raiders.

Jason La Canfora from the NFL Network also confirmed the deal.

Bush Arrested for DUI

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 20:15:00 +0000

Raiders running back Michael Bush was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated Saturday morning in Indiana, according to WHAS11 in Louisville.

Not good news for the Raiders, as they transition to new head coach Hue Jackson.

Bush rushed for a career-high 655 yards in 2010 to help the Raiders establish a foothold in the ground game. The Raiders drafted Bush from Louisville in 2007.

Don't get you Detroit Free Press panties in a bunch

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 02:48:00 +0000

Looks like Big Al got under the skin of the Detroit Free Press last week regarding his comments on Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

Free Press writer David Birkett was responding to comments made by Davis that were quoted in San Francisco Chronicle.

“JaMarcus hurt a great deal,” Davis said, according to the Chronicle. “But the ones they wanted to take instead of JaMarcus, Brady Quinn, hasn’t played yet. There was some talk of Calvin Johnson. But you can take a look at Calvin up at Detroit. How many games did they win this year, Detroit, do you know? Six? Yeah. But up until now, Calvin hadn’t done anything for them. He had been eulogized, but he hadn’t made a lot of indelible impression on the won and lost.”

Birkett took it as a jab.

Davis was giving his opinion on the wide receiver in context to his value in helping the Lions make the playoffs. That apparently riled Birkett, who really isn't qualified to respond given the lack of anything related to the playoffs and the Lions.

The Raiders have won more Super Bowls than the Lions have even qualified for the post season, so it's rather amusing that any Detroit writer have any opinion on football. Given all the top 5 picks the Lions have amassed in the last 40 years, it's even more bewildering that any Detroit beat writer is ripping anything other than the Lions brass and the Ford Family.

The sad part is, Davis is about as easy a target to take a shot at as they come these days, but that's like shooting fish in a barrel. Where is the creativity? I suppose you have to do whatever it takes to sell newspapers these days. Given the direction that industry is going, Detroit may be seeing another employer go the way of the Edsel.

Super Bowl XVL Odds

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 21:55:00 +0000

Who doesn't love prop bets.

Here are a number of odds, courtesy of the folks from Bodog.com

Super Bowl XLV Odds

Pittsburgh Steelers +3
Green Bay Packer -3
TOTAL Over/Under 45

Super Bowl XLV - Pittsburgh Steelers Total Team Points
Over/Under 21

Super Bowl XLV - Green Bay Packers Total Team Points
Over/Under 23.5

Super Bowl XLV - Pittsburgh Steelers Total 1st Half Team Points
Over/Under 11.5

Super Bowl XLV - Green Bay Packers Total 1st Half Team Points
Over/Under 12

Super Bowl Media Props

Super Bowl XLV Specials - What will the TV Rating be?
Over/Under Nielsen Rating 46

Super Bowl XLV Specials - Which region will have the higher local TV Rating?
Pittsburgh -140
Green Bay EVEN

Super Bowl XLV - How long will it take Christina Aguilera to sing the National Anthem?
Over/Under 1 minute 50 seconds

Super Bowl XLV - How long will Christina Aguilera hold the note “Brave” at the end of the National Anthem?
Over/Under 6 seconds

Super Bowl XLV Specials - Will Christina Aguilera wear a cowboy hat while singing the National Anthem?
Yes 3/1

Super Bowl XLV Specials - Will Christina Aguilera's hair color be anything except completely blonde when she sings the National Anthem?
Yes 7/4

Super Bowl XLV Specials - What will Fergie be wearing when she appears first on stage during the Super Bowl Halftime Show?
Skirt/Dress 1/1
Pants (Below Knees) 1/1
Shorts (Above Knees) 7/2
Thong/G-String/Bikini Bottom 10/1

Super Bowl XLV Specials - Will Fergie be dressed as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader at any point during the Halftime show?
Yes 5/1

Super Bowl XLV - How Many Times will FOX show Jerry Jones on TV during the Game?
Over/Under 3

(Wager is on the number of times Jerry Jones will appear on TV during the Game (from kick off until final whistle). Live pictures only, Any Taped Pictures or Past Video does not count towards wager.)

Super Bowl XLV – Who will FOX show first on TV during the game?
Jessica Szohr (Aaron Rodgers’ Girlfriend) -140
Ashley Harlan (Ben Roethlisberger’s Fiancée) Even

Super Bowl XLV - How Many Times will FOX mention “Brett Favre” on TV during the Game?
Over/Under 2.5

(Wager is on the number of times “Brett Favre” will be mentioned on TV during the Game (from kick off until final whistle). Live commentary only, Any Taped or Past Video does not count towards wager, must say “Brett Favre” exactly.)

Super Bowl XLV - How Many Times will FOX mention “Lockout” on TV during the Game?
Over/Under 2.5

(Wager is on the number of times “Lockout” will be mentioned on TV during the Game (from kick off until final whistle). Live commentary only, Any Taped or Past Video does not count towards wager, must say “Lockout” exactly.)

Super Bowl XLV - Who will the FOX announcers say has better hair TV during the Game?
Troy Polamalu -120
Clay Matthews -120

Super Bowl XLV - What Color will the Gatorade be that is dumped on the Head Coach of the Winning Super Bowl Team?

Yellow 3/2
Clear/Water 2/1
Orange 5/2
Lime Green 5/1
Red 15/2
Blue 10/1

Super Bowl XLV - What side of the ball will the Players that perform the Gatorade Shower be from?
Offensive +150
Defensive -200

Super Bowl XLV - Who will the Super Bowl MVP of the Game thank first?
God 3/2
Does Not Thank Anyone 2/1
Teammates 5/2
Family 4/1
Coach 10/1

Super Bowl XLV - Will a punt hit the scoreboard during the game?
Yes 10/1

Super Bowl XLV Specials - Will a Steelers player do the Aaron Rodgers Championship Belt Celebration during the game?
Yes EVEN
No -140

Super Bowl XLV Specials - Will Any Player do the Lambeau Leap after a TD?
Yes 2/1

Super Bowl XLV - Will B.J.Raji be on the field for at least 1 offensive play?
Yes -175
No +135

Super Bowl XLV - Who will President Obama pick to win the game?
Pittsburgh Steelers -140
Green Bay Packers Even

Super Bowl XLV -How many current NFL Players will be arrested during Super Bowl Week?
Over 0.5 +150
Under 0.5 -200

Super Bowl XLV - Which Super Bowl commercial will have a higher rating on USA Today's annual Ad Meter?
Bud Light 11/4
Budweiser 11/4
Doritos 11/2
Pepsi Max 6/1
GoDaddy.com 10/1
Skechers 12/1
Teleflora 15/1
Other 5/2

Super Bowl XLV Specials - If there is a picture of someone holding the Lombardi Trophy on the Cover of the USA Today on Monday February 7th, who will it be?
Aaron Rodgers 3/2
Ben Roethlisberger 3/1
Troy Polamalu 12/1
Clay Matthews 15/1
Mike Tomlin 18/1
Mike McCarthy 18/1
Any Other Pittsburgh Player 2/1
Any Other Green Bay Player 2/1
Any Other Person 15/1
Jerry Jones 100/1

Super Bowl XLV Specials - What will happen with the Dow Jones the day after the Super Bowl?
Market Up -140
Market Down EVEN

Super Bowl Game Props

Super Bowl XLV - What will be the result of the Super Bowl XLV Coin Toss?
Heads (Coin Toss) -105
Tails (Coin Toss) -105

Super Bowl XLV - Team to win the opening coin toss
Pittsburgh Steelers (Win Opening Coin Toss) -105
Green Bay Packers (Win Opening Coin Toss) -105

Super Bowl XLV - Team to score first in the game
Pittsburgh Steelers (Score First) Even
Green Bay Packers (Score First) -130

Super Bowl XLV - Will there be a score in the first 7min 30 seconds of the 1st quarter?
Yes (First 7 min 30 sec of 1st Qtr) -175
No (First 7 min 30 sec of 1st Qtr) +145

Super Bowl XLV - Will Either team score 3 unanswered times in the game?
Yes (3 Unanswered Scores) -180
No (3 Unanswered Scores) +150

Super Bowl XLV - Will there be a score in the final 2 minutes of the 1st half?
Yes (Score in Final 2 Minutes of 1st Half) -260
No (Score in Final 2 Minutes of 2nd Half) +200

Super Bowl XLV - Which Will be the Highest Scoring Quarter?
1st Quarter 4/1
2nd Quarter 8/5
3rd Quarter 4/1
4th Quarter 2/1

Super Bowl XLV - Will the game go to overtime?
Yes (Overtime) +900
No (Overtime) -1800

Super Bowl XLV - Longest Touchdown Scored in the Game (Yardage)
Over/Under 43.5

Super Bowl XLV - Shortest Touchdown Scored in the Game (Yardage)
Over/Under 1.5

Super Bowl XLV - Will there be a Special Teams or Defensive Touchdown scored in the game?
Yes (Defensive or Special Teams TD) +145
No (Defensive or Special Teams TD) -175

Super Bowl XLV - Super Bowl XLV - What will be the result of the first coaches challenge in the game?
Play Overturned -130
Play Stands Even

Player Odds

SUPER BOWL XLV - Odds to win MVP
Aaron Rodgers (GB) QB 7/4
Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) QB 7/2
Rashard Mendenhall (PIT) RB 15/2
Greg Jennings (GB) WR 12/1
James Starks (GB) RB 14/1
Troy Polamalu (PIT) S 15/1
Mike Wallace (PIT) WR 16/1
Clay Matthews (GB) LB 18/1
Charles Woodson (GB) CB 20/1
James Harrison (PIT) LB 22/1
Tramon Williams (GB) CB 25/1
Hines Ward (PIT) WR 25/1
Heath Miller (PIT) TE 25/1
Donald Driver (GB) WR 25/1
James Farrior (PIT) LB 28/1
Lawrence Timmons (PIT) LB 28/1
James Jones (GB) WR 30/1
Jordy Nelson (GB) WR 30/1
A.J. Hawk (GB) LB 30/1
B.J. Raji (GB) DT 30/1
Emmanuel Sanders (PIT) WR 35/1
Sam Shields (GB) CB 35/1
Cullen Jenkins (GB) DE 50/1
Brandon Jackson (GB) RB 50/1
Field 15/1

SUPER BOWL XLV - Player to score the first TD in the game
Rashard Mendenhall (PIT) RB 5/1
Greg Jennings (GB) WR 13/2
Mike Wallace (PIT) WR 15/2
James Starks (GB) RB 17/2
John Kuhn (GB) FB 12/1
Hines Ward (PIT) WR 12/1
Heath Miller (PIT) TE 12/1
Donald Driver (GB) WR 12/1
James Jones (GB) WR 12/1
Jordy Nelson (GB) WR 14/1
Aaron Rodgers (GB) QB 14/1
Emmanuel Sanders (PIT) WR 16/1
Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) QB 16/1
Brandon Jackson (GB) RB 18/1
Andrew Quarless (GB) TE 20/1
Isaac Redman (PIT) RB 20/1
Antonio Brown (PIT) WR 25/1
Mewelde Moore (PIT) RB 28/1
Donald Lee (GB) TE 28/1
Any Other Pittsburgh Player 14/1
Any Other Green Bay Player 14/1
No TD Scored In The Game 50/1

SUPER BOWL XLV - Total Passing Yards - Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
Over/Under 240.5

SUPER BOWL XLV - Total TD Passes - Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
Over TD Passes O 1½ (+125)
Under TD Passes U 1½ (-155)

SUPER BOWL XLV - Total Passing Yards – Aaron Rodgers (GB)
Over/Under 275.5

SUPER BOWL XLV - Total TD Passes – Aaron Rodgers (GB)
Over TD Passes O 2 (+125)
Under TD Passes U 2 (-155)

SUPER BOWL XLV - Who will record more Rushing Yards in the game?
James Starks (GB) RB +25½ (-115)
Rashard Mendenhall (PIT) RB -25½ (-115)

SUPER BOWL XLV - Who will record more Receiving Yards in the game?
Mike Wallace (PIT) WR +9½ (-130)
Greg Jennings (GB) WR -9½ (EVEN)

Historical Matchups

HISTORICAL MATCHUP - Total Passing Yards, which will be higher?
Aaron Rodgers Super Bowl XLV -29½ (-110)
Brett Favre Super Bowl XXXI (246 Passing Yards) +29½ (-120)

HISTORICAL MATCHUP - Total TD Passes, which will be higher?
Aaron Rodgers Super Bowl XLV +125
Brett Favre Super Bowl XXXI (2 TD Passes) -155

HISTORICAL MATCHUP - Completion Percentage, which will be higher?
Aaron Rodgers Super Bowl XLV -11.5% +105
Brett Favre Super Bowl (51.8%) +11.5% -135

HISTORICAL MATCHUP - Total Passing yards, which will be higher?
Ben Roethlisberger Super Bowl XLV -115.5 yards
Ben Roethlisberger Super Bowl XL (123 Passing Yards) +115.5 Yards

HISTORICAL MATCHUP - Total Passing yards, which will be higher?
Ben Roethlisberger Super Bowl XLV ` +15½ (-115)
Ben Roethlisberger Super Bowl XLIII (256 Passing Yards) -15½ (-115)

CROSS SPORT PROPS

SUPER BOWL XLV CROSS SPORT PROPS - Blake Griffin (LAC) Total Rebounds against Miami Heat vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Total Points
Blake Griffin Rebounds vs. Miami Heat +7½ (-115)
Pittsburgh Steelers Total Points -7½ (-115)

SUPER BOWL XLV CROSS SPORT PROPS - Which Game will have the larger Winning Margin?
Super Bowl XLV Pick (-115)
Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics Pick (-115)

SUPER BOWL XLV CROSS SPORT PROPS - LeBron James 1st half points against Clippers vs. Green Bay Packers 1st Half Points
LeBron James 1st Half Points vs. LA Clippers Pick (-115)
Green Bay Packers 1st Half Points Pick (-115)

SUPER BOWL XLV CROSS SPORT PROPS - What will be higher on February 6th 2011?
Aaron Rodgers Completion % -6 (-130)
Dwight Howard Free Throw % +6 (Even)

SUPER BOWL XLV CROSS SPORT PROPS - What will be higher on February 6th 2011?
Aaron Rodgers TD Passes Pick (-150)
Alex Ovechkin Points Pick (+120)

TEP is Looking for Contributors

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 21:51:00 +0000

I have to admit that my lack of time to write has really let our regular readers down, so rather than shudder the site, it makes more sense to try and find some help.

If you;re interested in contributing to The Eye Patch, please shoot me an email:

raiderblog@yahoo.com

Thanks,
Mike

Raider Legend Jack Tatum Dies

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:12:00 +0000

CSNSportsBayArea is reporting that former Raider legen Jack Tatum died of a heart attack today in Oakland. Tatus was 61 years old.

Nicknamed "The Assassin," Tatum died of a heart attack Tuesday in Oakland, according to friend and former Ohio State teammate John Hicks.

In his nine-year NFL career, Tatum was named to the Pro Bowl three times and was a member of the 1977 Super Bowl champions. He was regarded as one of the most-feared hitters in the NFL.

He was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1981 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

Tatum is perhaps most remembered for his hit on New England Patriots wide receiver Darryl Stingley in a game at the Oakland Coliseum that left Stingley paralyzed.
On Aug. 12, 1978, Stingley, playing for the New England Patriots, ran head-on into the hard-hitting Tatum on a crossing pattern. The blow severed Stingley's fourth and fifth veterbrae and left the receiver paralyzed.

Tatum said he tried to visit Stingley at an Oakland hospital shortly after the collision but was turned away by Stingley's family members.

Stingley died in 2007.

"We have lost one of our greatest Buckeyes," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said in a statement that was issued Tuesday. "When you think of Ohio State defense, the first name that comes to mind is Jack Tatum. His loss touches every era of Ohio State players and fans."

Read more: Raiders Great Jack Tatum Dies
Tune to SportsNet Central at 6, 10:30 and midnight on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area for more on this story

I wrote this piece on Tatum and Darryl Stingley a couple of years ago.

Tatus was a true competitor and will be missed.

Raiders move to reclaim some of Jamarcus' stash

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Thu, 27 May 2010 22:35:00 +0000

Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports is reporting that the Raiders are seeking to reclaim $9.55 million from JaMarcus Russell.

The grievance is based on the contention by the Raiders that the contract was changed at one point during Russell’s three-year stint with the organization and that he’s not allowed to keep all of the money he had collected prior to his May 7 release. Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft, was guaranteed $32 million as part of a six-year contract reportedly worth $68 million.

Hey, our courts are here to process frivelous lawsuits and nobody knows that better than Al Davis. The biggest drawback to this of course is that it sends a dangerous message to other potential free agent candidates.

Why sign with the Raiders, when you could end up in court trying to hold on to your salary. The organization seemed headed in the right track over the past two months, with several personnel moves, including a decent draft, but actions like this just force them two steps backwards.

A Message to Al

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 03:06:00 +0000

I haven't posted here in a while, but saw something today that was worth posting.

A new website focused on convincing Raiders owner Al Davis to step down as General Manager (he doesn't formally hold the title), but it's no secret that he makes just about personnel decision on the team.

Message To Al was formed as a grass roots effort to try and collect signatures on a petition intended to convince Davis to hire a general manager and a new head coach.

The organizers even had a billboard ad placed on Highway 880 in Oakland a half mile from the Coliseum. You can sign their petition and / or send them a donation for the cause.

The Madness Starts Early This Season

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:16:00 +0000

I‘m trying to be more positive this season, so I’ll begin this post by trying to find the upside on the whole Tom Cable punching allegations. The good news is, the big distraction of the year has come before the regular season has even started. We don’t have to worry about a messy distraction getting in the way of things in the middle of a push to a possible playoff run.

No, things will be in disarray from the get-go this season. The Raiders also have a great excuse, should they lay another egg in the standings. They’re primed to make a run for the number one overall draft pick next year, which they can waste on someone like Tim Tebow, who they can then try to convert to a tight end or a free safety.

From the reports out of Napa, the Raiders offense was clearly focused on the game in day two of the integrated practice with the 49ers. A practice in which JaMarcus Russell threw five interceptions, fueling a week’s worth of fodder for San Francisco’s secondary. They held nothing back in post practice interviews, yuking it up with local reporters.

As for the alleged Cable incident, what more can you say. The regularity of these head scratching episodes have become so common, that they’re starting to lose the sensational effect that something like a fist fight between coaches would once garner. The baffling has become passé.

Since the organization’s better judgment is something in short supply, let me try and provide a litmus. If your actions would make Raider alumni from the 70’s squirm, it’s probably wrong. The renegade behavior of the great Raider teams never interfered with the ultimate goal.

Cable is obviously too stupid to know any better.

An NFL head coach punching someone is ridiculous. An NFL head coach punching one of his subordinate coaches is ludicrous.

Even in the military, where a primary job description entails killing other human beings, there is a code of conduct which prohibits any officer from striking a subordinate. Do it in any of the U.S. service branches, and you get kicked out.

How are any of the players supposed to buy into the concept of discipline? Not that discipline will be a problem for the team ranked third in penalties in 2008. If the coach can’t stay disciplined, why should the players?

The story is already old and we haven’t seen a down of football that counts.

Sad.

Raiders Trade Burgess to Pats

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:46:00 +0000

Man-o-man, someone please tell me why the Raiders continue to trade ANYONE to the New England Patriots. It's bad enough that they trade players within the conference, but to the Patriots?

They did that, by dealing holdout DE Derrick Burgess on Thursday.

New England isn't going to suck all of a sudden, and net you a decent pick. It also sends a terrible message. I despise the notion of guys signing contracts, then turning around and whining that they're under paid. If that's the case, DON'T SIGN THE FREAKING CONTRACT.

Another head scratcher. If Al Davis can let Marcus Allen sit and rot on the bench, then why not Burgess? At the very least, trade the guy out of the conference, so he's not the guy exacting any revenge on you.

From AP:

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP)—The New England Patriots obtained defensive end Derrick Burgess(notes) on Thursday after the two-time Pro Bowl player held out of the Oakland Raiders training camp in hopes of being traded.

The Patriots gave up undisclosed draft considerations for Burgess, who is coming off an injury-plagued season in which he had 3 1/2 sacks in 10 games. New England released offensive lineman Al Johnson(notes).

The trade was announced on the ninth day of Burgess’ holdout from the team he recorded 38 1/2 sacks with in four seasons, including a club-record and league-best 16 in 2005. He had 11 the next year and made the Pro Bowl both times.

His total dropped to eight in 2007, but he missed two games.

In three seasons with Philadelphia and four with Oakland, the 6-foot-2, 260-pound Burgess had 47 sacks in 85 games. He also missed the 2003 season with a torn Achilles’ tendon.

The Patriots were 11-5 last season but had 31 sacks, tied for 14th. The Raiders were 5-11 with 32 sacks.

Burgess is entering the final year of his contract with a $2 million salary and felt underpaid for most of his time with the Raiders. He joined them when he signed a five-year, $18 million contract as a free agent before the 2005 season.

New England and Oakland held discussions around the time of the draft in late April. Then Burgess stayed away from all the Raiders optional offseason workouts and did not go onto the field during May’s mandatory minicamp because of a reported upset stomach.

Raiders to don retro unis in 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:59:00 +0000

The Raiders are scheduled to wear their retro 1963 uniforms, including helmets with the "white" logo, as part of the NFL's tribute to the old AFL teams. Translation, the league is looking for ways to better market team merchandise, and jerseys command a pretty penny.

The Raiders have always had one of the most classic uniforms in the league, and these throwbacks are still fantastic looking. They'll just probably cost an arm and a leg.

The Raiders and San Diego Chargers will wear their "classics" during an opening week matchup on September 27th, which is part of a Monday night double-header.

They will folow that up on November 15th, when the New York Jets visit the Oakland Coliseum.

Oakland will wrap up the marketing tour on November 26th when the team travels to Dallas, as part of he NFL's Thanksgiving Day schedule.

Capsized Boat Found off FL coast

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:36:00 +0000

CNN just reported that a capsized boat was discovered off the Florida coast and that a single survivor was seen clinging to the debris. No other details were provided. More to come on this breaking news.

*** UPDATE 3/2 10AM PST***

The Coast Guard says the overturned boat it found off Florida's Gulf Coast belongs to Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper. The survivor found clinging to the vessel is former University of South Florida player Nick Schuyler.

The Coast Guard says Cooper, Detroit Lions free agent Corey Smith and another former USF player, William Bleakley, remain missing.

*** UPDATE 3/2 4:30PM PST***

Still no word on additional survivors.

CNN reported that:

Schuyler told his rescuers that the boat was anchored Saturday evening when it was overturned by waves during a storm, Close said. He told them that all four men were clinging to the boat for a time, but became separated, Close said.

The four men embarked in a 21-foot single-engine boat from the Seminole Boat Ramp near Clearwater Pass about 6:30 a.m. Saturday, the Coast Guard said. The search was launched early Sunday after friends and relatives realized they had not returned from their fishing trip.

LB Marquis Cooper reported missing off Florida coast

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:48:00 +0000

The AP reports that two NFL players are among a group of boaters reported missing off Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Sports agent Ron Del Duca said his client, Detroit Lions defensive end Corey Smith, and Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper were two of the four boaters who were reported missing Sunday morning by the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard issued a statement saying the boaters were on a 21-foot vessel that left Clearwater Pass on Saturday morning for a fishing trip and did not return as expected. Crews used a helicopter and a 47-foot motor-life boat to search a 750-square mile area west of Clearwater Pass on Sunday.

Is Justin Fargas' Career Up In Smoke?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:01:00 +0000

On the day we should be plotting (and analyzing) the next course of the good ship Silver & Black on account of the hiring of Tom Cable as head coach, we are forced to interrupt this regular program to bring word of more head scratching news out of Alameda.

A video posted at worldstarhiphop.com shows a rapper who allegedly goes by the moniker “Yukmouth”, spends an evening at Raiders running back Justin Fargas’ house rhyming about the ganja. The rapper is seen with a box full of cash and bags of what appear to be the marijuana.

Fargas is never seen holding either the cash or the herb, but he is featured in the video, while Yukmouth goes on a profanity-spree throughout the video.

You have to wonder what Fargas was thinking? The only thing missing was Snoop Dog, playing Huggy Bear in the musical rendition of Up In Smoke meets Starsky & Hutch.

On the day that Olympic demi-god Michael Phelps lost his endorsement deal with Kellogg’s, you’d think pro football players would stear clear of promotional videos touting themselves and illegal drugs.

Oh, and the NFL has a SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY.

More to come on the Cable hiring later this week…just as soon as I finish up my home movie on free basing.

The Letter

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:43:00 +0000

So much for an amicable parting of ways. The following letter, apparently couriered to Lane Kiffin on September 12th, was released by the Raiders this afternoon following one of the nuttiest days in team history.

September 12, 2008

By Hand Delivery and Federal Express

Dear Lane:

Over the past months, you have made a number of public statements that were highly critical of, and designed to embarrass and discredit, this organization, its players and its coaches. I left you alone during training camp in hopes that you would cease your immature and destructive campaign.

However, you continue to make public statements that are critical of the organization, its players as whole as well as individual players. Such statements constitute conduct detrimental to the Raiders and I will no longer stand silently by while you continue to hurt this organization.

Further, your contract is quite clear that you work “subject to the direction and supervision of the General Partner” and that the General Partner has “the exclusive right to do all things, which in its sole discretion are necessary to maintain and improve the Club, the football organization and their activities.”

I realized when I hired you that you were young and inexperienced and that there would be a learning process for you. Your mistakes on player personnel and coaches were overlooked based on our patience with you. But I never dreamt that you would be untruthful in statements to the press as well as on so many other issues. Your actions are those of a coach looking to makes (sic) excuses for not winning, rather than a coach focused on winning.

For example, with the exception of Gibril Wilson, you were involved in recruiting all free agents and determining salaries for them and you were explicit about your desire to sign Javon Walker and DeAngelo Hall amongst others. All were a must to sign in your eyes, Hall, in particular, because he played for Greg Knapp in Atlanta and Knapp gave him high grades. Do not run from that now.

I do realize that you did not want us to draft JaMarcus Russell. He is a great player. Get over it and coach this team on the field, that is what you were hired to do. We can win with this team!

In regards to your recent fabrications about the defense, during the final cuts you made every cut on offense and every cut on defense except for (Fred) Wakefield on defense and (Seth) Wand on offense. Furthermore, during the game Monday night (defensive coordinator) Rob (Ryan) played your Cover-2 defense and we got killed on an approximately 50-yard touchdown pass and an approximately 70-yard gain that led to a field goal.

You meet every week with the defensive coaches to go over both the past game and to get a general feel for what will happen during the week in practice. You have the ability and authority to provide your input during those meetings and the preparation of the game plan. I do not have weekly meetings with Rob—you do.

During the week no one has ever told you what to do on either offense or defense. In addition, no one has ever told you during a game what to do on either offense or defense and you call every play on offense. During a game if you want to blitz more, all you have to do is let Rob know what blitz you want and he will do it.

Although you continue to use the media to express your dissatisfaction with others, no one has publicly pointed out to you that in four preseason games and one regular-season game played this year, your offense has scored one first-half touchdown. That put tremendous pressure on the defense.

I know that you wanted to bring your father in to run the defense and that Monte told me that he wanted to come here even though he as (sic) under contract to Tampa. However I did not want to tamper with another team. In any event that was over seven months ago. Do not now also run from the defense and your responsibilities.

This letter constitutes notice that if you further violate any term of your contract, in any manner whatsoever, you will be terminated for cause. I trust that this will not occur.

A.D. Football, Inc.

So now it's he said, he said. Technically, the Raiders can now market the fact that they provide an "entertaining" product to their customers. The fact that was released simply makes the organization look petty, paranoid, and any other bad "p" word you can think of. Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse...

The Kiffin Episode Ends

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:02:00 +0000

Kiffin's Biggest Fan

The most predictable soap opera in professional sports closed another chapter on its dysfunctional history on Tuesday afternoon, when the Raiders fired head coach Lane Kiffin. KGO radio, ESPN and NFL.com all reported Kiffin’s dismissal, which was as big a surprise as a Raiders loss. The beleaguered coach has been waiting for the announcement to come since last January, but there’s nothing efficient about the Raiders these days.

For as hard as Al Davis tries not to be predictable, his once storied franchise is as easy to read as a Rob Ryan blitz scheme.

What I don’t understand is, what Davis thinks all of this is actually going to accomplish? I was actually holding out hope that Davis would throw everyone a curveball, including Kiffin, and keep him at the helm for the remainder of the season.

When Mike Shanahan was fired in 1989, the Raiders righted a 1-4 start to finish the season 8-8, but that was a much different team. That roster included the like of Bo Jackson, Marcus Allen and Howie Long.

The list of possible replacements does little to incite any belief that this will turn thins around. James Lofton seems like the most obvious choice, because his name has been dangled around since the day Kiffin was hired. He also seems to be the kind of yes man Davis can manage without distraction.

What’s most baffling (oh there are many things to be baffled by) is the fact that names like Tom Cable or Tom Rathman are even being talked about. Tom Cable, head coach. Really?

The one thing about Kiffin’s hiring was that it was a fresh perspective, bringing in a young offensive mind that actually seemed to be changing the losing culture that has plagued the Raiders. Ranted, he didn’t win, but what can you expect given the tools that he was handed (and the command that he wasn’t)?

Rather than arm Kiffin with the tools he needed to be successful, the Raiders blew most of their cap space on defensive retreads. You can argue that Darren McFadden cost the Raiders a pretty penny, but he was a draft pick. Where was the receiver the Raiders so dearly needed? Javon Walker? Ashley Lelie? Seriously?

I’m surprised Davis didn’t throw a couple million at Vince Evans to come out of retirement.

What’s worse is the fact that Kiffin appeared to be righting the ship. Blowing two 4th quarter leads isn’t the model of success, but put those loses into perspective. They came against a surprising 4-0 Buffalo Bills team and a San Diego Chargers team that’s supposed to compete for a Super Bowl this year.

What we’ll find out is if those two games were motivated by a roster that was playing to save their coach’s job. If it was, what does that mean for the remainder of the season?

Now Davis gets to select a fill-in for the remainder of the season, and we get wait for the next episode of this soap opera to play out. Who will be Davis’ next protégé turned nemesis? What head scratching moves come next?

Like Terdell Sands through the hourglass, these are the days of your Raiders lives.