Droppin

It is difficult to comment on the Raiders because in some ways you can see improvements but then on the other hand the result is the same.  This article from Yahoo sums up the season pretty good from penalties to turnovers, these Raiders are close but are not quite there.  I do believe in Kiffin but I wish I could see what was going on behind the scenes.  I have questions like, how is Russell progressing, why is Rhodes not getting playing time, and when are we going to win an AFC West game?!

Close losses becoming common occurrence for Raiders – NFL – Yahoo! Sports

Maybe the organization is cursed.  Kiffin is suffering from a viral infection, hopefully it isn’t serious.  Get better soon Kiff, we need ya!

Raiders coach Kiffin taken to hospital – Yahoo! News

The NFL season is drawing near and I have yet to address my feelings on the Raiders, mostly because I’m usually optimistic each year and lately my dreams have been shattered.  With that said, I am optomistic that the Raiders will be better this year.  I believe that Kiffin will breathe new life into the program and will over time, get this team on the right path.  I don’t think we will make the playoffs this year but the Raiders should win more games this year.  For a couple of reasons why, check out this SI training camp article.SI.com – Writers – Training Camp Postcard: Raiders – Friday August 10, 2007 3:19PM

Tom Walsh recently shared some interesting insights with the media into working with Randy Moss.  All of his claims make perfect sense from what we saw on the field.  Tom claims that Moss had to learn how to run the short and middle routes because he really only specialized in going deep.  Also, he was asked not to attend Friday practices because the quarterbacks preferred their receivers to go full speed during the practices right before games.  What a piece of work.  Have fun Brady.

AHN | Former Raiders Coordinator Walsh Says Moss’s Skills Are ‘Eroding’ | May 18, 2007

I’m pretty excited with this new addition to the Raider family.  Out of the two Colt running backs, Rhodes was the back who was running harder in the playoffs and of course the Super Bowl.  Now if the Raiders O-line can get it together, the running game looks to be addressed.  I am curious what this means for the future of Fargas.

Rhodes leaves Colts to sign with Raiders – Yahoo! News

I am glad to hear that Porter is excited for next season… in Oakland even but I am not happy about him changing his number to 81.  Al, how can you let Jerry Porter take Tim Brown’s number!!  It isn’t right!!  Tim has to be one of the top 10 Raiders of all time and you let Porter take his number?!  Maybe Jerry wants to prentend that all of the fans wearing Brown jerseys in the stands are wearing his jersey next season.  Come on Jerry, pick something else.  There are plenty of other numbers to choose from. Porter ready for new start in Oakland – NFL – Yahoo! Sports

So the Brooks experiment is over.  After a forgetful year at QB it looks like the Raiders are leaning towards selecting a QB with pick #1.  Tui is expected to leave as well as he is a free agent which just leaves Walters on the roster.  Better start watching that combine on NFL Network. 

Raiders cut ties with Brooks – NFL – Yahoo! Sports

Well the Raiders Head Coach search is over, the question remains, what did they find in the 31 year old Kiffin?  I was in favor of hiring a first time coach over a coach that has been fired (i.e., Fassel, Green, Turner) but Kiffin is very wet behind the ears.  Maybe I should have turned in my resume.  But the decision has been made so that means he is a Raider now and the Nation will be behind you as long as you, “Just win baby!”

Raiders make Kiffin NFL’s youngest head coach – NFL – Yahoo! Sports

Raiders are hoping that the search for a head coach does not take as long as it did last year.  I think promoting Coach Ryan is a good idea but they would NEED a good O-coordinator. 

NFL.com – Oakland Raiders Team News

Here is an article posted on Yahoo that details the status of the race for #1 between the Lions and the Ratiders in the next NFL draft.  Apparently if the Lions and Raiders lose, the Lions will get the #1 pick because of their strength of schedule.  That means the Lions need to beat the Cowboys and the Raiders need to lose to the Jets in order for Oakland to slide to the number one spot.  It could happen.  The article also speculates on who the Raiders would target but it is still too early to tell. 

In my opinion, in order for the Raiders to turn things around next year, they will need to do it through free agency.  Clean out ALL of the trouble makers, strengthen your offensive line, and pick a QB in the draft.

Raiders in running for top pick – NFL – Yahoo! Sports