Five Postgame Takes
1. In my pregame take, I noted that this was no time to be conservative, and that the Jets' secondary was considered "depleted" going into the game. But as Steve Corkran noted after the game, "The surprise came in how little offensive coordinator Greg Olson called for rookie quarterback Derek Carr to throw downfield. Just about every pass until real late in the game called for Carr to get rid of the ball in a hurry, near the line of scrimmage and without risk of being sacked or hit. In other words, just the opposite of what Carr did so well against the Seattle Seahawks, even if much of that came against the Seahawks backup defense."
2. Look, we were flush with $$$ during the offseason. So now you tell me where we made a substantive positional improvement during free agency with all that money. Reggie has had three years figure out a way to stock our skill positions, and we still don't have a legitimate #1 running back or receiver. DMac and MJD (combined 26 yards) looked like two guys on downslope, which is what they are. Streater, Moore and Jones are okay, but come on, none of them are true #1 receivers. Jones was brought in to help set the pace, yet he started the game on the bench behind Moore. Who's minding the skill position store for this team?
3. Therefore, Derek Carr can't be faulted for what happened. today. The playcalling was questionable, the protection was inconsistent, and his support was limited. I just hope that he keeps his chin up, particularly if we keep trotting him out into greasefires like this one. Don't kid yourself, the score looks close on paper, but the game didn't pass the eyeball test. We looked awful.
4. Our defense was a train wreck. No pressure on the QB, receivers left wide open, the dreaded "big play" on the Chris Ivory run. Different year, same ol' Raiders "defense."
5. I am this close to revving up the Clown Car on this game. But somehow, some way, we technically kept it close, so I'll keep it parked for now.
2. Look, we were flush with $$$ during the offseason. So now you tell me where we made a substantive positional improvement during free agency with all that money. Reggie has had three years figure out a way to stock our skill positions, and we still don't have a legitimate #1 running back or receiver. DMac and MJD (combined 26 yards) looked like two guys on downslope, which is what they are. Streater, Moore and Jones are okay, but come on, none of them are true #1 receivers. Jones was brought in to help set the pace, yet he started the game on the bench behind Moore. Who's minding the skill position store for this team?
3. Therefore, Derek Carr can't be faulted for what happened. today. The playcalling was questionable, the protection was inconsistent, and his support was limited. I just hope that he keeps his chin up, particularly if we keep trotting him out into greasefires like this one. Don't kid yourself, the score looks close on paper, but the game didn't pass the eyeball test. We looked awful.
4. Our defense was a train wreck. No pressure on the QB, receivers left wide open, the dreaded "big play" on the Chris Ivory run. Different year, same ol' Raiders "defense."
5. I am this close to revving up the Clown Car on this game. But somehow, some way, we technically kept it close, so I'll keep it parked for now.
posted by Raider Take at 9:55 PM
55 Comments:
Its sad that the clown car starts right up first game of the season but the victory mobile( a silver & black 1978 Ford Pinto?) belches smoke, leaks oil like a spill, and only starts 4 times in 16 tries. We know $8 million went to Schaub, but where did the rest of that $ go again???
Game one was ominious in that, many of the same old problems were on display again for the Raiders.
No running game. Could not stop the run. No pressure from the D-line. Loose, soft coverage by the secondary.
And, once again, no half time adjustments by the caoching staff.
With Dennis Allen, and his staff, the game plan is the game plan. For all 4 quarters. It's sickening.
It is now year 3 for D.A. Yet the same old mistakes, are being made by the team he coaches.
The area's that were weak when he took over, are just as weak today.
Where are the area's of improvement ? I can't see any.
Unfortunately, the Raiders lived up to their PFT-worst-ranked #32 power rating.
What had me baffled is how they chose to play coverage defense instead of blitzing and still left receivers wide open.
Rex Ryan played pressure D and held the Raiders to like 75 yards until it was essentially too late to mount a comeback.
And before Ivory scored on his long run, the Jets had been gaining 10-11 yards a clip.
I feel bad for Charles Woodsen, who is still out there throwing his body around trying to make plays for this team.
Meanwhile, the Raiders set a new low on Sunday with their version of prevent offense.
Lamarr Woodley looked awful (slow and small), Tuck a rotation player at best at this point of his career. Antonio Smith was he playing? Nice FA acquisitions Reggie.
SCAR
The hot seat for DA is getting so hot, It's starting to make RM's seat hot. After 2 seasons and 1 game,,, In Regards to DA, here's how I feel about game 1. DA finally took the chance to go to a super swanky casino(starting Carr), and spent all night at the penny slots. Carr cannot be above criticism. I thought it was too early to start him over McGloin( coaching decision), but now that he is starting, he is subject to analysis. The conservative game plan by the coaching staff was also an understandably conservative effort by our Rookie QB. The rookie qb chose to use the dumpoff pass several times instead of attempting intermediate passes. As a reference point, did we ever see McGloin not chuck it downfield last year? The decision making process has to and should speed up for the rookie, but in the meantime,,,,
The defense does deserve some credit in my eyes. One interception that directly led to a short field and seven points, was counterbalanced by giving up one "big" long td run. Antonio Smith was a baller. I didn't see much from the DT's. The LB corp was taken advantage of too many times, and I'm thinking the culprit was Sio Moore being outta position more often then not. The secondary was sufficient..
This offense though...
SCAR
SCAR,
I agree with most of your points. But I can't see how you give this defense a pass.
The Raiders D let a horrible Qb, Geno Smith have only 5 incompletions all game.
When Smith took off running, it looked like he was in slow motion. Yet it seemed to take forever for a Raider defender to get near him.
There was also no pressure at all from the D-linemen.
I expected the offense, with a rookie Qb, to struggle somewhat.
But having Carr only throw passes around the line of scrimmage, was a foolish game plan.
The Jets seemed to catch on to it after the 1st quarter.
But Dennis Allen never catches on. And isn't that the problem ?
SCAR
Raider00, I agree completely when it comes to DA. If someone doesn't give him an intervention/cometojesus meeting?? I say fire him by the break...
As for the defense. They forced a fumble saving a touchdown in the first half. They got a key sack taking the Jets out of field goal range. This defense was NEVER going to be the 85 Bears. When you take into consideration that the Raiders offense was stagnant, forcing the defense back onto the field over and over again, time of possesion in favor of the jets, # of offensive plays in favor of the Jets, the Raiders defense came up short, but did good things too and has room to grow.
SCAR
From the Oakland Tribune:
"Too often, Jets receivers caught short or medium-range passes and turned upfield to find no one there. Allen attributed that blown coverages rather than giving too much cushion. Either way, it didn’t measure up...Safety Charles Woodson insists the Raiders defensive game plan was sound, just not executed well enough."
Every year, it's the same old story.
SCAR
@RaiderTake,,,
Sounds to me what the Oakland Tribune is saying is that the problem is the Jimmies and the Joes, not the X's and O's.
In regards to the defense, it seems to me like there is a bit of overreaction mondays. Out of position is probably the easier thing to correct. No talent? That cannot be corrected. So which is it? Consider this, can we legitimately expect the defense to improve? From what I saw, I say yes.
SCAR
DA and Tarver are not the answer. It is becoming more and more clear that Olsen is not the answer at OC either.
It is time to get fresh, and get someone who can motivate and not be afraid to take some risks. There are too many good coaches out there that can turn this club into winners in a year, and it is not Dennis Allen.
Soft coverage gets you no where in this league (just ask Seattle). I'm disappointed, and feel like it's going to be a long season again! Look who's next, Arian Foster, JJ Watt, and the Houston Texans. Maybe we could borrow Andre Johnson just to make it competitive.
Oh, and by the way, I said it all offseason, I felt we brought in some decent talent, but was unsold on the Head Coach and his staff. Looks like I was right.
Allen said time and again that Carr will play because he's ready to play. He is NOT being rushed into starting.
Well, looking at Carr, I also believe that he's ready. The problem is that Allen game planned like he was being rushed into starting. Then, on top of that, Carr wasn't given any help from the running game. The Raiders did almost nothing but throw screens the entire day against a team that was clearly prepared from the beginning for screens.
And there is still no sign from this coaching group that they have any idea how to get a FB involved in the offense. Hue Jackson made Reese look like a star, but we haven't heard from Reese since Allen arrived.
This coaching staff obviously needs to go. If Reggie refuses to make changes, then he needs to go. Three seasons is plenty of time to improve on back to back 8-8 seasons. Instead, we've sunk to the very bottom and appear to be caught in the quicksand.
If Reggie won't make a change, then Reggie also needs to go.
Before camp ended, I predicted 0-4 wins this season. I didn't see then, and I don't see now, any improvement over the last two seasons.
Of course RM and DA both said that last year's 4-12 was much better than the 4-12 the year before. At the end of this year I expect to hear them say that this year's 4-12 blows the prior two 4-12s out of the water.
When RM and DA came in they said that they were going to build the team "the right way." Well the "right way" appears to be nothing but their way. And if nothing but 4-12 is an improvement, I guess I just don't understand this game.
It's a bit knee jerk to condemn the coaches after one game into the season but understandable after watching that mess on Sunday.
Raiders thought it made sense to bulk up their O-line this offseason. But they had to shuffle players out of their natural positions to do it, and lack of continuity showed. Howard is a RT playing G. Barnes is a serviceable backup LT playing RT. Penn is a significant downgrade from Veldheer. Wiz has been no better than average during his short career, and may be better suited at G than C. Gabe Jackson (a rookie!) is perhaps the bright spot of this year’s O-line.
And for this, MJD had like 11 yards on 12 carries, including one carry for 12 yards (behind a Gabe Jackson block!).
Personally, I believe the Raiders will rebound against Houston but there’s no valid excuse for the game planning and performance we saw Sunday against the Jets.
Was it bad enough to put Allen on notice? Probably!
Raiders didn't exactly lose the game scratching and clawing. It was one grade above a lay down effort.
SCAR
The running game...wow,,,dismal...
Is yesterdays game what we can expect all season in regards to the running game??? What is up with Melenik Watson? Is Sparano getting the most out of this line? At the minimum, if Wiz is an above average C and Gabe Jackson is a mauler, there should be SOME inside running? right??
IMO the 2 biggest questions coming out of game 1 are the head coach and the lack of running game...
SCAR
A team is usually a reflection of their head coach.
Rex Ryan is known for his defense. His team has a good defense.
Chip Kelly is known for his wide open offense. His team scores a lot of points.
Bill Belichick is known for his preperation. His teams are always ready for a game.
I guess what I'm saying is, What stamp has Dennis Allen put on his team ?
What area of the Raiders team, is a positive, reflection of their HC ?
There's no easy way to go if we change coaches in mid season. Sparano is not a proven HC, and I frankly don't think our O-line shows that he deserves a promotion.
Al Saunders has been waiting in the wings all of this time, but the wrap on Saunders is that he is NOT a good play caller. My feeling is that if Allen goes, then Olsen should also be removed from the picture.
My feeling is that the best way to go is to promote Saunders to HC and DeFilippo to OC.
But if I had to take a guess, RM will do nothing and simply ride out the season. I also think that unless Davis fires RM, both RM and DA will be back for another season with new coordinators.
BTW, why does Allen remind me of Tim Roth in "Rob Roy?"
How do you know Saunders wants to even be considered for HC? He's 67 and seems to be on nobody's radar as a prospect for HC or any other position.
Sparano might not be the best choice either, but the Raiders may have to do something if Allen gets any worse at his job... waiting til next year may not be a viable option.
If the Raiders lose to Texans on sunday.
They next play a road game vs Pats.
Then play the Fish at home.
Raiders could easily head into the bye week 0-4.
During the bye week. It could be a good time to say "bye" to Dennis Allen.
Scar what do you mean the D played well? If it was anyone but Geno Smith they would have hung 30 on us at least and 500 plus yards.
The pass rush and coverage was non-existent. Don't be confused into thinking that one great play from Woodson and a bunch of turnovers and taking sacks is some stamp of approval of the D.
In fact after watching the game Sunday I think our D will be worse than our O this year.
2016, and not a season sooner.
SCAR
Ano,,,If my aunt had nuts, she'd be my uncle.
We are talking about the Raiders vs. the Jets. I don't give the defense a stamp of approval. I just don't think the defense is as bad as many are saying. Try 8 punts in a row for the offense. Lets say that again real slow...eiiiiggghtt punts in a row.
5 of them were 3 and outs. Are you kidding me?
Do you think the offense not showing up didn't have an effect on the stamina and effectiveness of the defense?
The defense bent but didn't break several times. Made big plays(which do count,because they ACTUALLY happened, not in some fantasy, but in reality. In the Raiders vs. Jets football game)
SCAR
Coaching played a huge part Sunday. How can lack of pressure and lack of coverage live in the same world?
Raider OO - The "home" game against the Dolphins is in England.
Raiders have the worst schedule in the history of the NFL.
Scar both the offense and defense suck that is my point. Sorry 200 plus rushing yards and the Jets basically played it safe. The D sucks end of story.
After today's press conference Carr says we shouldn't blame Allen, it was all his fault. If Allen lets Carr say that to the press, Allen is a coward.
Allen says we just need a little more "consistency." He's been saying that now since the first week of September in 2012. Think he's had time to fix that?
Sio Moore assures us that the D is just a step away from being completely dominant over league. He insists that once a couple of small issues are solved, nobody in the league will be able to play with us.
Wow. So now we have to fight through complete denial as well.
"Sparano is not a proven HC."
Well, not exactly. Sparano took over a 1-15 Dolphins team to the playoffs and 11-5 record the following year.
He has been a HC in the NFL for 60 games (29-31).
Compare Sparano next to DeFlip in terms of experience coaching in the NFL.
Sparano has been an NFL coach the past 15 seasons. He is the most qualified candidate on the current staff to be promoted at some point in this season.
CJ
No doubt Sparano would bring more experience to the job than DeFlip. However they are both nothing special and bottom of the barrel coaches who no self respecting franchise would hire.
When Mark gets his head out of the sand he needs to go hire a real GM and HC. Not rookies or experiments. The Raiders need to spend the money for a great, proven veteran coach. If only to bring credibility and energize the franchise.
nyraider said, "It's a bit knee jerk to condemn the coaches after one game into the season but understandable after watching that mess on Sunday."
This isn't a knee jerk reaction. This is the same line and dance that we've seen from Allen the past 2 seasons. It's time to move on, as he has proven he is not the man for the job.
Allen and Olson are cowards for letting Carr take responsibility for horrible play calling.
We were one step away when Hue was HC, and now we remain 4 steps away under Allen and his staff. Time to nut up and apologize to Hue.
I disagree, RNate. Anyone calling for Allen to be fired after one game is making, IMO, a knee jerk call, and comes with prejudice of past seasons when many of us agree the odds were stacked against him.
IMO, the earliest reasonable firing period would be during the break.
That said, Allen has to be feeling the pressure if his QB feels the need to deflect blame away from the HC. That's usually a sign things are about to blow up.
Again, this isn't one game. This is 2 seasons of similar coaching and excuses that have reared up after one game after being told it is a new product.
It may be a new product, but it is the same crap coaching. Things need to blow up.
A Commitment to Excellence is a commitment to do everything at max capacity. This is what drove Jon Gruden, this is what drove Rich Gannon. This is what drove Tim Brown, Howie Long, Art Shell, Tom Flores, Marcus Allen. To give their very best.
I don't see that with Dennis Allen. I see someone who is lost. He has never taken responsibility for the poor play calling, he has not taken responsibility for the poor product that he puts out on the field. He makes excuses.
To win in the NFL is to be the aggressor, and play like Gabe Jackson's attitude, which is something Dennis has not preached since being here. Something that he has not shown on our defense or offense's play calling. The Raiders are soft on both sides of the ball, and that is a result of soft coaching.
The odds may have been stacked against him, but he still has the responsibility to call a better game than what he has the past few years. It is still his responsibility as Head Coach to utilize the abilities of the talent he is surrounded with, something that he has not, and refuses to do. This is not a "one game" thing, this is a continued failure on his part to be the Head Coach and push the players to their maximum playing capabilities. It is time to bring in a coach and coaching staff that can do that.
RNate - In simpler terms, if you want Allen fired after one game into 2014, you wanted him fired before that game.
Another way to look at the Jets game is that the Raiders brass over-estimated their new D-line and its ability to get pressure (doesn't excuse the lack of adjustment but it's fairly plausible).
On offense, the conservative playcalling might be attributable to rookie QB (again, lame but fairly plausible).
I don't like it either, but I don't prescribe to lynching Dennis Allen before a sample of at least 4 games in 2014.
I watch most of Allen's PCs and I would say he demonstrates accountability. He's not giving himself a free pass. And you can believe he is feeling the pressure right now.
NY, I've said it all offseason that I didn't think Allen nor his staff was suited for the job. So yes, I did want him fired before last week's game.
Will it get better? He has done nothing to show that it will, which is why he should not be in this position.
Fair enough. He's definitely under the microscope right now, so you might get your wish soon.
To borrower a phrase from Allen and his coordinators, who's your "next man up?"
Sparano?
Boy I miss Hue Jackson
Guys lets stop arguing can we not agree that Allen, Reggie and the players all suck
I think it is reasonable to evaluate how the Raiders play in the next 3 games before the bye.
If the Raiders are playing listless and poor and sitting at 0-4, I wouldn't be opposed to a switch at HC during the bye week.
Clearly both sides of the ball need to play more aggressively, physical, and smart.
Is anyone shocked by the fact the Raiders are the oldest team in the league? How is Reggie rebuilding when you hear a stat like that
My feeling is that Allen should have been fired after last season. To me there is nothing worse than a freshly hired, rookie head coach failing to examine the team he inherited, and be familiar with every strength and every weakness. Allen admitted that he never looked at the personnel until he got on the practice field with them.
To me that says that he DID NOT come here with the idea of doing ANY winning in his first season. As an example, since he DID NOT review the players strength and weaknesses he didn't understand that if he was going back to zone blocking the RB he needed to keep was Bush, not McFadden.
And while the O-line was improving when Allen got here, it has gotten worse every year.
It could be that the reason Reggie is having so much trouble bringing in good players is that Allen doesn't know what he wants - especially on offense.
Still, you can't fire the HC after the first game of year. The bye week will be the appropriate time, but even then, the man who gets the HC position will be called "interim" unless he can somehow prove himself as the last twelve games unfold.
But I've seen enough from Allen to be convinced that this team will show little improvement.
Also, the Raiders are not just the oldest team in the league (Reggie gave up the youth movement and the idea of building inside the organization), we are also the slowest. That may be part of the reason our DBs can't stay with receivers and our receivers can't get open deep.
Sorry, guys, but I really believe that neither Reggie nor Allen has left any part of this team better than they found it.
Let's face it. By Jon Grudens 3rd year as HC, the Raiders had a winning team.
With Reg, & D.A.(dumb ass?), it's going to take 10 years just to reach 8 wins.
8 wins is where the Raiders were at, when the 2 stooges were hired.
Look, Mark Davis listened to Madden, and Ron Wolf, and hired Reggie. It was a worthwhile idea, but it is failing big time.
Mr. Mark Davis. You must have some of your old mans winning DNA somwhere inside you.
The next time you do some hiring. Trust yourself.
Stark grim reality but let's face it -- the Raiders have the worst stadium and are the least valued franchise in the NFL. Mark Davis is the least qualified owner in the NFL. M. Davis has no record of accomplishing anything in his entire life besides overcoming a drug problem. The Raiders need a new wealthy owner to come along.
Hey CJ, as inept as Mark may be he had the good sense to nix the Safford signing. What the hell does that say about Reggie's football acumen. Scary thought
"The Raiders need a new wealthy owner to come along"
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Well CJ, that is no cure all either.
Just check out the bozo's in Washington, and Dallas.
And, until recently, how bad, for how long, have the Jets been ? Owned by Woody Johnson. One of the wealthiest men.
Raiders just need good football people in the key positions.
Were the Raiders in any better ecomomic shape in 2002, when they went to the SB ?
Raider 00 -
Agreed. Having a wealthy owner and nice stadium is not the cure all.
Al Davis was a unique owner in that he knew football inside and out. Most of the other successful owners know how to run a $1B+ organization from their leadership abilities and business acumen.
To suggest that Mark Davis is (a) qualified to be an owner (b) knows football (c) has leadership abilities (d) is business savvy is quite frankly delusional.
The owner needs to make many key decisions that ultimately impacts wins and losses. If RM or DA don't cut it, the owner needs to proactively find a the right solution by leading and finding the right people, empowering them, and holding them accountable.
The Raiders current ills don't fall solely on M. Davis but it certainly doesn't help that he has no real world experience or record of achievements.
If your owner isn't experienced than it only makes sense to have a proven GM and proven HC to lead the football side of the house.
Right now we've got the worst possible situation -- a team that has floundered for 12 years, an archaic stadium, a first time GM, fist time HC, first time owner, and a less than desirable destiny for players.
It is clear in my mind that the "status quo" will result in more sub .500 seasons and us crawling into a big hole whereby it gets more difficult to break the cycle without significant changes.
Is it even fair to pin our hopes on a rookie QB? I love everything about D. D. Carr but he has been put in the worst possible situation to grow, lead and excel.
Enough of the "hail mary" thoughts. How likely is it for M. Davis to find a top GM candidate? For us to attract a desirable HC candidate? These are VERY legitimate concerns for a fan like myself of 40+ years. I'm no longer optimistic which in itself is a tough pill to swallow.
Would love to see us beat the Texans and get some positive vibes about the future but it is looking bleak.
CJ, I agree.
But remember. When Mark Davis became Raiders owner, he recognized his shortcomings as a football exec. He stated this pubicly.
M. Davis even leaned on John Madden, and Ron Wolf for advise as who to hire as Raiders GM.
The think tank came up with Reggie. A big mistake was made.
Now, I love Madden & Wolf. But I think they represent more of the "old guard", of football.
Not sure how, in touch, either man is with today's NFL.
What Mark Davis has to do now, and fast, is bring in a more current figure to run the Raiders on field operations.
It has to be someone associated with winning, and with the Raiders.
That man, is Jon Gruden. Gruden can be our John Elway.
Gruden knows what it takes to win in today's NFL. Let Gru hire the HC. Let Gru run the draft.
Gruden is a classy guy. Even after his time with the Raiders ended up badly, I never heard him say a bad word about Al Davis.
Gruden is a smart guy, who never burns the bridges behind him.
In Fact, After Al Davis died, Gruden, on ESPN, had some of the greatest praise for Al.
It would be a seamless move forward. Gruden would leave the broadcast booth, for the greater challenge of leading the Raiders as an executive/GM.
Call it "unfinished business". Call it whatever you want.
But Mark Davis must pick up the phone, and call Jon Gruden. It just might save his franchise.
As bad as the game plan might have been, Raiders hit a buzz saw against the Jets defense.
And the label of being the "oldest team" is grossly exaggerated. First, only about 2 years separates the youngest and oldest avg rosters in the NFL. Second, if you look up and down the Raiders roster, they are very young. Only a few long-in-the-tooth guys increasing the average age.
I still believe the Raiders will be an improved team this year, and the Houston game will give us our first indication.
Carr has moxie. It will be fun watching him mature into a solid QB. Besides, Gruden already has a job.
The bye week should be very telling.
NYR, Gruden's job only last through this season, in which he stated this past offseason that he will honor his contract with ESPN before taking another coaching job.
With that said, it is very possible that Gruden can end up back in Oakland next season. Preferably as GM, but I wouldn't mind him being the HC again. My only concern about Gruden being HC is who would his coaching staff be? His coaching staff with the Raiders are no longer with the team and are with other teams as HC or an assistant(Bill Callahan, Tedford, DeFilipo, Trestman, Marinelli, Morris, and Tomlin).
Wishful thinking here. Say after this season, RM and DA are sacked, and Gruden becomes the GM. Who do you want him to bring in as Head Coach? I would like to see Jack Del Rio, or Hue Jackson back as Head Coach under Gruden, but a strong DC like Wade Phillips (currently unemployed I believe). The only other excitable coach that I think could be a possibility is if the 49ers fired Harbaugh. I think he would come over to the Raiders and work with Gruden or Reggie McKenzie. I would also accept Mike Zimmer, Todd Bowles, or Dave Toub.
Say RM is retained, and Gruden is brought in as Head Coach. Who would you like to see on his coaching staff?
I would love to see Ken Norton Jr be a DC (currently Seattle's LB coach),Ed Donatell would also be a good DC (currently SF's secondary coach). OC is a little more difficult to pick. Gruden would probably go after someone who is an O-Line coach. I can also see someone like Rich Gannon jumping on board to be an OC under Gruden.
The one thing that gives me any hope about this season is Derek Carr. Listen to him talk after this last week's loss. He is pissed! I think we have been missing that kind of attitude from our QBs. After hearing Carr talk in post game interviews, I expect the Raiders to win this week based on his attitude alone. But he has 52 other attitudes that he has to rally around as well.
I'm pleased with Carr as our QB, and I think he is going to be a great one. I thought the same about his brother, but thought he had a raw deal in Houston. If his brother was QB of the Texans today, they would be a contender. Bottom line, I've heard this song and dance from the current HC and coaching staff, and it's time to play a new tune. If they are the right coaches for this team, they need to start proving it.
What that looks like for me is not just "wins", but coaching to be physically aggressive on both sides of the ball, and not soft. Making play calling adjustments during the game that shows progression. I want to see the coaching staff on the sideline coaching the players with photos, preparing for the next drive/defensive philosophy. This is what brings the attitude to the players. This is what causes players to excel. But it starts with the coaches game plan being aggressive. If you are not aggressive, you are not willing to take the risks necessary to win; and you've lost the game before it happens.
We are coming up on a tough schedule, and this is what it will take from our HC and coaching staff to show us fans that they are the right people for the job. If that cannot happen, then it's time to change.
My current complaint is that we have not seen any glimpse of this happening with Dennis Allen as our HC. After the last 2 seasons, and how we started the season last week (especially after a terrific finish to the pre-season), I have lost any optimism I had left for Dennis Allen and his staff.
"Gruden already has a job"
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Well, ok, but Mark Davis shouldn't let this stand in his way.
Didn't Dennis Allen have a job, Donks DC, before coming to Raiders ?
People can change jobs.
It's at least worth exploring.
Man, I just so sick & tired of losing.
Gruden would help besides being a fantastic coach he is a leader and would energize the franchise. CJ is spot on the Raiders are in the wors position possible: no money, the worst stadium, terrible hc, terrible GM and no foundation of young talent.
I want the Raiders in the Bay Area but the cure all is simple. Move the franchise to LA and hire Gruden. You accomplish alot with those two moves.
When you're at the bottom of the industry, it's tough to attract top-level talent (e.g., GM, coaching or otherwise), and it's sometimes cost prohibitive.
In this case, don't let emotions write checks Mark Davis can't cash.
Keep your eye on the target; the Houston Texans this week as part of a four-game span to start 2014 season during which we should get our first real glimpse as to what we've spent the last three years waiting for from RM and DA.... good or bad.
NYR, you are correct, we should wait until bye week for a true assessment of Raiders team.
But game one was ominious in that all the same old problems were on display.
I think that is why so much of the fan base is up in arms already.
That is why I called for the hiring of Jon Gruden as president of football operations, and GM.
The Raiders are in a rut of historic proportions.
And I don't buy that the Raiders can't afford a top HC, or GM.
The Raiders seem to find money for all the terrible players on the roster.
They can find money for a HC, & GM, as well.
The issue isn't finding the money for players, HC and GM.
The real issue is making the Raiders organization a desirable destination for proven football men.
We seem to be in the position of having to take a chance on someone.
To break this long running cycle of ineptitude, we need dynamic, proven leaders.
"Money" is a metaphor for all the reasons why Gruden or any other top level GM/HC prospect may not want to come to Oakland and face the plethora of issues that face a failing franchise.
Gruden has a very cushy, high paying job that allows him to keep his family rooted in FL. I know many of us would love to see Gruden return in some capacity but it's not happening.
That's how I see it too, CJ. It's not happening.
I think we need to get used to the idea that the current regime will be given every opportunity, like it or not.
Go Raiders!!
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