July 1, 2008
Crucial points for Oakland Raiders success in 2008: Thoughts from a Reader's Side
We have a first time contributer to the Thoughts from a Reader's Side here on Thoughts from the Dark Side at TFDSsports.com. KA1Z3R weighs in with his thoughts and analysis on what the keys are to the Oakland Raiders having a successful 2008 season. He does a good job of pointing out the key factors that will decide whether the Raiders go 7-9 or as high as 11-5. Welcome this fresh voice to TFDS.
Crucial Points for Success
by KA1Z3R
Special to Thoughts from the Dark Side
In my opinion, the Raiders look like a strong team this year. We could go about 10-6 or 11-5, but we will probably go 7-9 to 9-7 for three crucial reasons. If these points go in their favor, we have a chance at the previously mentioned 10-6 or 11-5.
1. Offensive line-
The line is very critical. We all know that we can run block as well as anybody, but pass blocking seems to be where this line will fall short. From the reports out of minicamps this line doesn't seems like it fares well. Then again these are minicamps meaning they are non-contact camps, so I may be getting paranoid over nothing. But, this deeply concerns me. We have plenty of playmakers at wide receiver and running back who can catch, but this won't matter if Russell doesn't have the time to throw to them. The worst part of the line problems are that we didn't do much to improve this O-Line. We signed a center (which wasn't needed and is only slight improvement) and a left tackle who apparently (from a non-contact minicamp) either blocks very well or not at all. This is bad because he's at the most crucial position on the O-Line. If he doesn't pan out this could crumble the entire season.
2. Terdell Sands-
Lane Kiffin and Al Davis are in love with this guy, but when it comes right down to it he's a defensive tackle whose weight is fat and he can't surge through the line. He has the weight to be a run-stopping force, but not the strength. He's meant to take up multiple blockers, but one blocker can shove him over and aid the other blockers. He's going to be starting because Davis will demand it, and unless he steps it up we're in trouble. I hope Gerrard Warren takes the job away from him, but if he doesn't we could be facing another bad run defense.
3. Injury-
Injury wasn't a big thing last year, but it could completely destroy this team. Javon Walker has gone through several surguries and is our main receiver. I am confident in Drew Carter and Ronald Curry, but Walker is needed to open up the passing game. Derrick Burgess is injured constantly and this hurt his production last year. The good thing is he's got quality pass rushers behind him. Should Russell go down (knock on wood), we have no quality backup. If injury plagues this team like it did the Colts last year, we are in for a lot of trouble which could end Kiffin's career.
Just mixing things up in the dull portion of the offseason.
KA1Z3R is a regular reader and a first time contributer to TFDS.
If you would like to contribute a future article please send it as a plain text attachment to mvnraider at yahoo.com, along with a brief bio if its your first time posting. MSWord documents add a bunch of code I have to delete if its sent in a .doc format, so please use .txt. Thank you for reading and contributing.
Bringing fresh voices into the fold here at TFDS
Discussion
24 Comments on "Crucial points for Oakland Raiders success in 2008: Thoughts from a Reader's Side"
#1
Posted by Umer Waris, July 1, 2008 12:08 AM
Great Job, Kaizer!
I really believe that if Sands or Warren step up their game, we will be a force not to mingle with defensively! They both have excellent size so you never know.
Hey maybe they have shown signs of improvement? Maybe that could be a reason why we didnt draft a DT in the draft?
#2
Posted by KA1Z3R, July 1, 2008 12:24 AM
Addressing the Russell topic:
Russell has Walter, a QB who doesn't fit the system; and Tui, who's had a troubled career and is more of a scrambler than a QB. There's also Keller, who I really know nothing about (please someone tell me about his play style and ability). If we were to sign Dilfer, Rattay (who I hear has already been signed), or Culpepper, then I don't think we have much at QB other than the unproven Russell.
#5
Posted by KA1Z3R, July 1, 2008 7:18 AM
Eh, I still think 9-7. If Sands and Harris start to play well, we have a chance at 10-6 and the Wild card.
#6
Posted by Raider Blues, July 1, 2008 7:22 AM
I say 10-6 as well. I don't think it's the x's and o's or the personnel necessarily but they are upgraded. I think it's going to be the first time we hit adversity. How will we bounce back because you know the BSPN's and the other garbage are wanting to... What's wrong in Raider Land and whatever making there be a problem when there isn't one. If we overcome that type of crap we'll be 10-6.
We are back and the haters need to get their shots in asap cause time is running out for them. JRus needs to develop! End of story. Our line will be ok, back field will be great, the receivers and JRus need to develop. TE will be a strong point with the backfield so we'll move the ball but develop a vertical game and we'll score big. D - sure the D Line will have problems but they'll be assisted by the DB's and LB's for the most part. It's the mental approach when the first nay sayers speaks up that will determine how we do. Part of JRus's development is taking that leadership role not just passing and making the correct reads.
Raider Nation!
#7
Posted by One Man Gang, July 1, 2008 8:10 AM
You guys have Kwame Harris protecting Russell's blindside. Nuff Said! lmao
#8
Posted by Rob Calonge, July 1, 2008 8:29 AM
Good job KA1Z3R! All three points that you lay out are definitely critical to the Raiders 2008 success. I have one slight disagreement with you about Russell and I realize it's nitpicking, but I believe that our backup QB's are no worse than they were last year. Culpepper, McCown = Walter, Tui in my mind.
#9
Posted by teofilo dimaano, July 1, 2008 8:42 AM
i think that mccown coming in for the one year that he was here did a pretty good job... as well as culpepper... why do u think parcells picked up mccown?? i think he adjusted to our offense oretty good?? but like said earlier... the offensive line?? and discipline with the penalties..... enough already with the penalties!! tui should be real familiar with the offense as long as hes been around?? well .. im out.. cant wait for the monday nighter against the donkeys!!!!!
#10
Posted by Raider Raul, July 1, 2008 9:48 AM
Russell will be operating in a moving pocket most of the time - and he is very mobile - so I'm not too concerned about our pass blocking. I am also concerned about Terdell Sands, but hopefully he followed in Russell's footsteps this offseason and is in much better shape with more strength.
Right now, I'm more concerned about us signing Nnamdi, or Nnamdi signing his tender. I think the Raiders want to see what he's all about when there's a probowler on his opposite side.
Another concern - can Michael Huff excel at Free Safety??
#11
Posted by pat T, July 1, 2008 10:09 AM
Like Raul said above i don't have to much concern with Russell and the pass blocking, because if Lane Kiffen sees that the rushers are getting to Russell he'll have him rolll out... With the option to throw or run... That should help Russell... And if Terdell "turd" Sands doesn't imporve it wont matter how much Kiffin, Dvais, and Ryan love him.... He'll be gone... And hopefully he knows that because Sands and Kelly could become one of the best DT tandems in the league... But i think the presence of Wilson will really help Huff, because Wilson has played both the free & strong safety position... But Al Davis needs to resign Nnamdi now or next year his contract will be even higher... And he'll be harder to resign... And i also don't know about our back-ups... I trust that Andrew Walter would come in and make the most of his oppurtunity, plus with enough protection & weapons at WR, he shoul do fine... But the question is whose behind him? Tui... But if he couldn't do it before what makes us think he can now... Well while i am doubtful of him... I do think Kiffen's roll out style offense should benefit him & his mobility... But we shall see when September rolls around...
G RAIDERS!!!
#12
Posted by KUSHMAN, July 1, 2008 10:20 AM
raul.. i guarrantee it.. huff will develop nicely with the backfield he has..he just needs to work on his tackling..
#13
Posted by Double D, July 1, 2008 1:44 PM
JaFatass is stiff-hipped and hangs on to the ball too long. What that means is he'll get sacked a lot and fumble a lot right out of the box because AFC West defenses (along with teams like Bal & TB) will have a hayday with him. So what he'll to do compensate is start forcing his throws which will just lead to higher # of INTs. Get ready for it folks, Suspect OL + Suspect QB = turnover city all day long.
Think about it, at LSU JRus had an awesome receiver - Dwayne Bowe - and that, more than anything, allowed him to put up amazing passing stats in college. Now, his best receiver is a guy whose injury history will make him afraid to go after anything in traffic. Point being, this year will be a huge let down for any Faider-followers that are delusional enough to think that the advent of "J-Rus" combined with fumble-prone rookie RB will translate into anything better than at 6-10 record.
Seriously, how do you get to 9-7, much less 10-6, when you aren't likely to start out any better than 1-5? Then look at your last 6 games and tell me you believe you'll win more than 2 of those? Get real.
#14
Posted by flimflam man, July 1, 2008 2:52 PM
If jrus can hand off or throw a screen,it'll be all good. (I want to believe)
#15
Posted by A Raider M-F***ker, July 1, 2008 3:41 PM
I'm only 23 years old and a college student and spend every last dollar to afford my season tickests. I've been to the last 20 games in a row and hope to god we go at least 9-7. Either way; win, lose, or tie. Raider till I die!!!
#16
Posted by KA1Z3R, July 1, 2008 6:21 PM
Double D- read my new comment on your Chiefs page for what I think of what you put.
#17
Posted by Rada4life, July 1, 2008 6:51 PM
I am worried about Kwame Harris and Robert Gallery.Both have had more false starts between them than entire teams.I lost my cool every time Sims and Gallery screwed up last year.If those don't improve,we are going no where fast.You can't win games trying for first downs being 1st and 20,2nd and 15,etc...Cable BETTER improve the penalty area if the Raiders are going to do anything!Also,the Raiders need to implement a good "False start snap count" to get other teams to jump offsides.Last year(or since Gannon was QB)we haven't done that in a while.It would be good thing to have(when needed) and also it would help "train" the offside offenders not to move.Nothing i hate more,than getting beat by your own mistakes.I have seen it too many times since Gannon left.TIGHTEN UP HARRIS AND GALLERY! GOOO RAIDERS! Rada4life!
#18
Posted by Rebel2124, July 1, 2008 8:02 PM
In order for the Raiders to be successful there needs to be some serious out with the old in with the new. I'v always supported Al, but got-damn-it, no: 1 let your coaches coach and stay the f**k out of the way. Al, you own, coaches you coach and players yall play.
No:2 continue to clean house, if players don't produce they need to be replaced. We had a WR who kept dropping passes and he got cut the following week. Sands, Gallery, Huff, Sam Williams, Justin Griffith, Kwame Harris, all the injury prone and field goal losing kickers be warned. This goes for McFadden too, I hope he can turn the corner and break tackles in the NFL - sorry he wasn't the pick I was hoping for. I've always believed that you should build your team from the inside out and not the outside in. You have to have some real monsters playing on the O-line and D-line in this league, I was hoping we'd go that way in the draft, but I wish McFadden the best, he's a Raider now.
No:3 And I caught a lot of flack the last time I mentioned it but I stand by my belief damn it. Update those tired ass uniforms and step into the new millennium. The silver looks old and faded out and makes me think old some seriously old lady wondering about some run down dusty casino who seriously needs to thump the ash off her cigerette adjust her wig and smells of bengay and denture glue. Change is a good thing. We changed Art Shell and Norv Turner didn't we? I don't know about the rest of you, but I always feel better in a new crisp suit rather than that old faded brown thing collecting dust and moths hanging in the back of my closet and the players will on the team will also feel great in new unis as well. They may even play better too.
Thanks the Rebel
#19
Posted by flimflam man, July 2, 2008 12:33 AM
if you don't like the silver&black attack STAY BACK! the most beautiful & awe-inspiring sight in modern day athletics is the entire Raider Nation adorned in our timeless colors. ROCK ON RAIDERS!
#20
Posted by RaiderTillidie, July 2, 2008 1:02 AM
Man wat the FUCK u mean we need new unis thts the blood of the raiders and the raider nation homie, if u want new unis then why dont u go down to san diago and go support the yellow and blue lol cuz real men wear silver and black
#22
Posted by Raider Scott, July 2, 2008 9:32 AM
We have made some nice upgrades in the off-season. We still have plenty of question marks in critical areas. Our run stoppers are an unknown, Kwame Harris is a wild card. These two critical areas will probably keep us at 6-10 or 7-9. I watched JRuss scramble last year and he did look stiff in the hips as he rolled. I am hopeful that his tendency to hold on to the ball too long is more of a rookie mistake that can be coached away and with experience will be resolved. Hopefully a quick release will not require too much scrambling as I think that will cause our line to hold more often. Maybe the extra year working with Cable can reduce the o-line penalties as we were one of the most penalty prone lines. I am hopeful that we show improvement and that Kiffin will be given more authority and ideally will be our long term coach if he brings success. I still think we are one season away from a serious playoff rush. I don’t think we should ever change our teams’ logo or colors; it is hands down one of the most timeless uniforms in professional sports. It is recognized not only in America but worldwide.
#23
Posted by The San Clemente Kid, July 2, 2008 10:59 AM
about jruss, he will follow kiffins plays to a t... and kiffin knows how to handle kids (see USC when he was there)... jruss will have a playbook tailored to his skillset and our backfield.... jruss will not be an issue.... and he is working hard this offseason to be in the best shape and a team leader.... i am sure you have read the articles about that....
can our line pass protect is the only question and cable likes who he has... he didnt take harris if he didnt think he was capable... look for the raider running game to be top 3 this season..... (see cables history stats)...
also another fact that we have discussed on the Fox Raiders blog (which goes off daily) is that when our offense scores (and it should with mcf, fargas, russell, miller) it will put pressure on the opponents to pass the ball... which of course will be very difficult vs our BERMUDA TRIANGLE of asomugha, hall and wilson/huff.....
add that to the schedule and we are friggin going to kick some assssssss
#24
Posted by Rebel2124, July 3, 2008 8:30 AM
Well let me clarify about the unis because there seems to be a slight misunderstanding. Changing our colors or logo is completely out of the question. And the remark about jumping on the San Diego band wagon would be equivalent to making a deal with the devil. LT can eat shizz and die, ok. He once said he likes playing the Raiders cause he runs circles around us. I CAN'T WAIT for the day we put it to this guy. But back to the unis - Our look is classic I do agree but the time for change has come. And I don't mean whole sale changes. I'm thinking something of a cross between our Raiders Afterburn Polo and the Lift Performance Tee for our jerseys and occasionally wearing black pants with a silver stripe with our black jerseys. Frickin awesome! You can see those shirts on the Raiders website. I wouldn't want to see any other changes.
Born and raised in Oakland and bleeding silver and black. The Rebel
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