Able Cable Takes The Reins

By The FreakingPope

As the dust settles, with occasional flurries from former players like Warren Sapp, we find ourselves a little over a week away from our first game under a new head coach. The team is back on the practice field. The drama may go on, but the team is somewhat isolated from it.

I admit that the night before Cable's first press conference, I was a little nervous about how our team would handle the transition. It literally kept me up. I felt like we had lost the face of our "Return to Excellence".

Over the last few days, Cable has offered up some insights into his plan for our immediate future.  He could be a regular here at Raider Take, based on what I've heard, or maybe common sense is truly common in this instance.

Judge for yourself.

"The work will be tempo, tempo, tempo, as fast as we can go.  And keep pushing that, because I just believe that if you play faster than the other guy he's going to give up somewhere in that game."

We can hear part of Kiffin's philosophy here, but the charisma is far different.  Maybe it's because he outweighs Lane by 100+ pounds, or because he's used to dealing with formidable pupils, but when Tom says it, it doesn't sound like a suggestion.  It sounds like an order.

"We're not looking back.  We're a good team.  We're going to run for the playoffs, and that's our deal. We're not gonna back down.  We're not afraid say that, because you have to if you believe in yourself."

Could this be the end of playing not to lose?

"In order to succeed you have to fail. And so I've said that from day one.  Never be afraid to make mistakes, but around me make mistakes at 100 mph, cause you'll grow from that quicker, you'll learn from that quicker."

If this is the teaching method that pulled Gallery's career out of the toilet, sign me up.

"If I don't like the effort, I can't stand that.  You might as well give someone else your check, because you're cheating.  We're not going to do that.  We're going to work hard, and work fast."

Now I know one, if not all of us, have written this here.

"What you're going to see is balanced offense. That's the key. Whether that means more passing or not I don't know. You might see a series or two where it's all pass or all run. I think we have to be more balanced. We do run the football, so there's a lot of people in the box so you've got to take your shots."

Ditto.

I leave you with the following.  It speaks to the next step in our evolution as a team.  May Tom find fortune, where Lane, Shell, Turner, and Callahan could not.

Do you see this team as being close to being a contender?

"Yeah I do. I don't have any question in my mind. First thing we have to do is learn how to win, then we have to learn how to handle winning. We compete hard, I think that's obvious. That's step one. Step two is learn how to win. We need to win in the fourth quarter. Once that happens we need to learn how to handle winning because it hasn't happened for a while. You don't just go out and win a few games and think everything's all rosy because it can blow up on you. There's still a process that you have to get through. Right now it's about learning how to win games and finish games in the fourth quarter."

Note: Thanks to FreakingPope for contributing this take! This is one of an ongoing series of guest takes here at Raider Take. If you would like to contribute a guest take, please email me at raidertake@yahoo.com for guidelines.

Raider Nate's Mock Draft

By Raider Nate 75

I think Chris Long falls to us now that the Dolphins made their selection. If he doesn't fall to us, then we trade the pick with Cincinnati so they can pick up McFadden. The Raiders would get the #9 and Chad Johnson; and maybe, just maybe, we could make a run for Frostee Rucker (DE out of USC). But if Chris is there, and the Raiders don't take him, Kansas City will, especially if they lose Jared Allen.

1. Dolphins-Jake Long, OT, Michigan. No surprise here, the Dolphins need a lot of help at every level, and they go with the best player on the board. Second Option: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. He could (and should) be the first overall pick, and he could help keep opposing defenses honest, and Beck or McCown upright and off their back the whole game. It wouldn�t surprise me if they chose McFadden, I just think they are going after Chris Long.

2. Rams-Vernon Gholston, DE, the Ohio State. They pull the first surprise here with this selection. It is long been speculated that the Dolphins would have gone after Chris Long or Vernon Gholston, and went with offensive help instead. Second Option: Chris Long, DE, Virginia.

3. Falcons-Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU. The Falcons need help at every level as well, and though they need OFFENSIVE help badly, they go with a strong DT. Not only do they need a QB, they need a playmaker, and that is what they find in McFadden. Second Option: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas . Yes, they need a QB, but will reserve that pick for later with either Chad Henne or Ryan Carpenter (the sleeper QB in the Draft). They go for the upgrade on defense with Ellis.

4. Raiders-Chris Long, DE, Virginia. Yes Raider Fans, we get our man! Second Option: Trade with the Bengals for 9th overall pick, and Chad Johnson and Frostee Rucker, where we select Sam Baker, OT, USC; while the Bengals select Sedric Ellis, DT, USC.

5. Chiefs-Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee St. They need help against the pass. Help at the CB position is a start, and it will be okay if the keep Jared Allen. Second Option: Chris Long, DE, Virginia if the Raiders don't get him, the Chiefs will.

6. Jets-Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. They need help on offense, especially in this area to help out Thomas Jones. This will give them a 1-2 punch at this position. Second Option: Trade the pick.

7. Patriots-Keith Rivers, OLB, USC. What is the one position they are growing old in, OLB. They are also hurting for a CB after losing 2, and with Rodgers-Cromartie off the board they go with Keith Rivers, and get a CB in the next round. Second Option: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas.

8. Ravens-Limas Sweed, WR, Texas. They need a big time receiver to help them out offensively, and that is what they will get in Sweed. Second Option: DeSean Jackson, WR, California.

9. Bengals-Sedric Ellis, DT, USC. They fill a huge void here, and give help to their defensive line. Second option: Trade pick and Chad Johnson to the Raiders

10. Saints-DeSean Jackson, WR, California. They need help at this position to give Brees some options, and to ease the protection against Bush. Second Option: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas.

11. Bills-Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan. Another team that needs WR help. Second Option: Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami.

12. Broncos-Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St. The Donkeys need to protect Cutler, and help him mature as a QB. Second Option: Keith Rivers, OLB, USC.

13. Panthers-Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas. The Panthers need offensive help, signing Brayton may give them help for Peppers, but they need a playmaker on offense to help their struggling team. Second option: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College.

14. Bears-Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College. They are looking for a QB to give competition to Kyle Orton because Grossman is not panning out. They need help at WR as well, but look for them to make that adjustment in later rounds. Second Option: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon.

15. Lions-Sam Baker, OT, USC. They finally break the streak of choosing a WR. They fill a need at the O-line position. Second Option: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois.

16. Cardinals-Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn. They need help here and at CB. So they go with the big pass rush. Second Option: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt.

17. Vikings-Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville. They need help at this position. They could wait, and get a gem in the later rounds with Ryan Carpenter, but I think they go after Brohm. Second Option: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh.

18. Texans-Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt. Their defense is solid, and they need pass protection help. They will swing for a RB in the later rounds, but they need to focus on O-line. Second Option: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh.

19. Eagles- Sedric Ellis, DT, USC. The Eagles need a WR, but can get one in the 2^nd round, or later. They also have defensive holes to fill, so they select Ellis. Second Option: Malcom Kelly, WR, Oklahoma.

20. Buccaneers-Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. Cadillac Williams is a clunker. They need help on offense at this position, receiver, and O-line. Second Option: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh.

21. Redskins-Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh. They need to protect their new asset in Jason Campbell. Second Option: Reggie Smith, S, Oklahoma.

22. Cowboys-Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas. Losing two CB�s they need help. Second Option: Mike Jenkins, CB, S Florida.

23. Steelers-Branden Albert, OG, Virginia. Replacing Alan Faneca. May be looking at an OT as well. Second Option: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy.

24. Titans-Calais Campbell, DE, Miami. Need to help Kearse who is injury prone. Second Option: Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida.

25. Seahawks-Fred Davis, TE, USC. They need help here, and they will find their help. Second Option: Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue.

26. Jaguars-Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida. Losing Marcus Stroud is a HUGE loss for this team�s defense, and they need to fill it if they are going back to the postseason. Second Option: Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson.

27. Chargers-Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy. This is not a team with many holes, but CB and WR seem to glare out. They may also look to replace Turner at RB. Second Option: Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida.

28. Cowboys-Chauncey Washington, RB, USC. Losing Jones was huge, and though they have Barber, they need help in this area as well. Second Option: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida.

29. 49ers-Chad Henne, QB, Michigan. Not satisfied with the play of Alex Smith, they need to bring competition in. Second Option: Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College.

30. Packers-Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida. Woodson and Harris are aging. Though they are solid, this could be a potential hurting place.

31. Patriots-pick forefeited for cheating.

32. Giants-Jerod Mayo, MLB, Tennessee. The best MLB in the draft, and a HUGE need for the Giants. Second Option: Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami.

The Magicians

By Raider Nate 75

I remember as a young kid, my dad was always freaking me out. One of his favorites was the "look I can pull my thumb off at the knuckle" hand trick. We've all seen it, and we've probably done it.

When he first married my mom, they had cabinets above their closet, and he would hide in these cabinets and jump down and scare the bejesus out of her. Yes, they're still married.

When I was seven, they took me to see a magician who did all of the classic tricks. Sawing a woman in half, making things disappear and reappear, card tricks, etc. I was amazed by all of this. Why? Because I could not understand that they were “tricks.” In my mind, it was real. At such a young age, what I perceived and saw was real, and I was too young to wrap my mind around the idea that it was staged, and that the magician wasn't really sawing the lady in half. My argument was, "What do you mean it wasn't real? I saw it with my own eyes."

I could understand movies being fake, because I went to Universal Studios a lot as a kid, and we would see stunt shows, and they would talk about the tricks they use on camera; but what I was seeing on stage with the magician was live, not on film. My parents would argue and argue and argue with me endlessly on the subject; but they couldn't get me to believe that it was fake because: a) I saw it with my own eyes; and b) they couldn't replicate the trick, or show me how it was done.

So what's the point of all of this? To me, this is what is going on with the Raiders this offseason. As has been mentioned, Lane Kiffin has not been seen by the media since the Combine. But as well, neither has Al Davis. All we have heard, and continue to hear, is how Lane is going to lose his job, and is going to lose it soon. This rumor has been printed over and over since January.

The media have been backtracking on their story that he was going to be fired before the Senior Bowl, and then Combine; and now it's the Draft. After that, it will be, "he is gone before camps." Some writers have already trumped everything in between, and said the blanket statement, "He will be gone before the next season." This is despite the fact that Lane (at the Senior Bowl), Caveman, and the Raiders' PR spokesman denying these rumors. Let's not forget, too, that Caveman was going to be fired; and that rumor started the Monday after the regular season ended!

This has left the Nation in an uproar of questions. Is this a smokescreen? Is it the truth? I'd normally believe it to be a smokescreen, but now local trusted writers are writing these rumors. I know I can't convince some of you that this is all staged, and a "magician's trick." What you perceive is what you believe, and what I perceive is what I believe as well. This is why I think it is a trick; all of these stories are based on "perception" and there is little facts to these things that we know. What's going on? Let's look at the facts:

1. The rumors of Kiffin's demise are still largely printed. They are rumors because nobody in the Raiders' organization is denying nor confirming these stories. They have in the recent month or so, but not since before the Combine.

2. Kiffin, Rob Ryan, James Lofton, Al Davis, Amy Trask, Tom Jackson, and Tom Cable are all still on the team page.

3. Nobody has seen or heard from Lane Kiffin or Al Davis since the Combine (and the comments by both were the same, "No comment").

4. For that matter, nobody has seen Rob Ryan since the Combine!

5. Kiffin interviewed Lofton, and was hired by Al Davis.

6. We don't know if Al and Lane were at the free agent signings we have made.

7. We don't know if Al and Lane are even involved in the negotiations; or just involved at the "approval" level.

8. We know that Lane is at the headquarters every day

9. We don't know what he is doing at the headquarters every day, but it is speculated he is throwing chairs in anger.

10. My guess is as good as your guess.

These are the facts that we know this offseason. They’re pretty broad. There is not one editor alive that is going to allow a story to be printed where the basis of these facts are the headlines. If the reporters, even the local reporters, were to print the headline "Nobody Knows What is Happening Inside the Raiders Organization," then all they are showing is they have failed their jobs, and their credibility as a "team reporter" becomes no better than yours or mine.

So they write stories with phrases like, "an inside source who chose to remain anonymous" or "someone close to the team with knowledge" or "an anonymous source close to the situation.” Again, all of these stories are based on perception, just like a magician.

Do I like what's going on? No. I think it is dividing the fan base, and I think it is hurting their image of “change.” I don't think it would be a big deal if we were winning, but we are not winning. I feel that these illusions of turmoil from within damage the overall image that we know where we are going and how we are going to get there. It creates doubt in the hope that we as fans have in a return to glory.

But I can't help to think of the immortal words of my dad when I was five: "Hey son, look at this. I can pull my thumb off at my knuckle."

4th and Long

By PantyRaider:

Maybe it’s time we all took a deep breath and a look back….at least as far back as “06”….da “Art Shell” Era.

But first a little of the “NOW“….at present fans are calling for SOB’s head and Kiffin “Run-Out-a-Dodge” and MrD’s funeral….Wow!….What up wit all da “HateTrippin” bro’s?

March “06” newly hired HC ArtShell attends an award banquet put on by the “Raiders Booster Clubs” and the “Steering Committee” for DE Derrick Burgess along with several “D” players….Could be a relationship was formed in the process….I don’t really know but that’s just my speculation….During the season Coach Shell preached “Toughness” and it appeared that his “D” bought into it….However all the credit was attributed to “SOB” by posters here saying it was “Hands-Off” the “D” for Coach Shell….Remember…I surely do…

The “O” did not buy into it and Coach Shell and his “B-n-B” Coordinator were blamed for everything bad with the Raiders….But remember “SOB” was praised for everything good about his “D”….Interesting….because just a year later when that “D” with the same players and the same Coordinator (minus Coach Shell preaching Toughness) fell on it’s collective freaking asses and “Crap”ed all over the field the “Postah”s are calling for “SOB”s head….Yap!…Must have been “Hands-Off”…Right???..Can’t argue with history…or the record…or stats….or that big “Egg” in the middle of the freakin field “07”….

Now let’s look at the end of “06” when posters were campaigning for “SOB” as Coach….But instead “MrD” brought us his youngest coach ever in Kiffin. The Mediots had a field day…..The big word was “It’s a Mistake”…Should have promoted “SOB” because now we will lose him to some other team and he will “Kick Our Asses Off”….Remember?

OK…So in March of “07” the “Raiders Booster Clubs” -n- the “Steering Committee” hold an award banquet for CB Nnamdi Asomugha and guess who was NOT at the banquet….That’s right….Coach Kiffin….Now did you here anything big-n-bad coming down from his absence……NOT that I can recall….In fact I doubt that most hear even knew it happened….At least not until lately when I searched the “Net” -n- Posted it…..Yap!…Unforgivable…a NO-Show….

The “07” record is history and that “D” was one of the worst ever by a Raider team….What else can be said about that except ….(they must have really missed Shell’s influence)….Coach Kiffin was unable to inspire them….Whoops!….I’m sorry….”SOB” was unable to coach “HIS” freakin “D”….(must have had a brain-fart and lost all his ability as coach).

So now we get to the “NOW”….That thankless “HC” of the Raiders was unwilling to show respect for his players-n-fans and did not attend an award banquet put on by the “Raiders Booster Clubs” -n- da “Steering Committee” for RB Justin Fargas….That is totally inexcusable and we want his head on a platter…..-n- Yada!! Yada!! Yada!!!!….

Bet ya all missed the point didn’t ya….It was a freakin “Fan Event”…..NOT a “Team Event”…..In “06” “SOB” was invited but did not attend….So freakin what….Did you hear anything about that….NO….It was his “D” player and he was a “NO-Show”….Inexcusable….Right???….Guess what…he was also a No-Show in “07” for another “D” player….Ya’ll hate his ass yet….

So now to the point of this whole stupid thing….”How long are some of you fans going to keep allowing the Mediot’s to play you like “Puppets"…Every freakin' time they write some sort of ridiculous “Crap“ ya‘ll become “Dysfunctional“….Myself….I‘m kinda glad to see Coach Kiffin-n-”MrD” playing the Mediot's like Puppets and getting all that free “Pub”….

I believe the “HC”-n- Owner showed all the love needed when they awarded that RB with all that “Cash” and that new contract that I heard so many people “Bitchin” about….That was appreciation where it counted….

“Dysfunctional Raider Nation”…Raidah Style…

PantyRaider….Just-Supportin-Baby!!!!

Note: Thanks to PantyRaider for sharing this take. This is one in a series of “guest takes,” with the intent of celebrating the different voices and perspectives of the Raider Nation.

The Realist's Draft Scenario

By Raiderrealist:

Now that the coin flip is over and we know our draft position, it’s time to go over likely scenarios for the upcoming draft.

Imagine, if you will, that you are Lane Kiffin/Al Davis/The-Man-Behind-the-Silver & Black Curtain who decides whom the Raiders will pick on draft day. Decide what the team needs and prioritize them. Add Darren McFadden to the offensive punch or shore up the porous defense with Chris Long/Glenn Dorsey/Sedrick Ellis? Keep the 4^th pick or try to trade down for more picks? Keep in mind that some of our needs can be met through free agency.

As for the likely draft day scenario, this is what I see happening:

1. MIA: Chris Long/Glenn Dorsey
2. STL: Chris Long/Glenn Dorsey/Jake Long
3. ATL: Matt Ryan/Darren McFadden

Unfortunately I just don't see Chris Long falling to us at Number Four come draft day. This leaves the Raiders with a choice of the best of what's left of Sedrick Ellis/Glenn Dorsey/Darren McFadden/Jake Long. Or, we could try and trade down. You make the call.

As for me, I'm looking at this preliminary list:

RD1. DT Sedrick Ellis

RD2. LT Sam Baker

RD4. C Jamey Richard

RD6. SS Caleb Campbell

RD7. Best of what's left.

Why Ellis over LT Jake Long? Tom Cable's zone blocking scheme. He was able to take virtually the same players from the 2006 "saloon-door" offensive line and have them give up far fewer sacks and open up holes that helped Justin Fargas gain more than 1,000 yards rushing while only starting in seven games.

The defense, however, was just the opposite in making nearly every running back that faced them look like the second coming of Jim Brown. Hence my pick.

As for wide receiver, I'd look at bringing in either Bernard Berrian or Bryant Johnson through free agency.

Note: Thanks to Raiderrealist for sharing this take. This is the second in what promises to be a series of “guest takes,” with the intent of celebrating the different voices and perspectives of the Raider Nation. Stay tuned for PantyRaider's trade take.

Time to Cut Ties with Kiffin?

By NY Raider:

It really hurts me to say this, but in light of recent reports that Lane Kiffin has been absentee from the Combine (or a ghost at best), and considering the blitzkrieg of negative media since the season ended, it may be best for the Raiders and Kiffin to part ways.

At the very least, the Raiders have a real problem with public relations, and have allowed negative perception to overwhelm their offseason. As you might guess, I am a firm believer in the old axiom that "perception is reality."

Of course, just because the media write something doesn’t mean I will perceive it to be true. In this case, I have spent the offseason thus far scouring media reports and listening to, and reading, fan (the consumer) reactions, as well as introspecting my own 30+ years experience as a diehard Raiders fan, and gauging my perception accordingly.

At this juncture, from a public relations standpoint, I must believe that the Raiders want people to perceive they are in turmoil. If so, then job well done. Yet, I can’t believe that this would benefit them in any way, particularly now with free agency and the 2008 NFL Draft quickly approaching.

Is Lane Kiffin so mad at the media or Al Davis that he can’t participate with his assistant coaches on the field during Combine workouts, or even walk through public areas of the facility?

While I was willing to believe the optimists after the Senior Bowl who claimed Kiffin didn’t wear Raiders’ gear because of sponsorship obligations, I refuse to believe that it has carried over to the Combine. Why isn’t he showing his colors?

There’s no valid reason to allow this charade to continue. We need a head coach who bleeds Silver and Black, and who believes that to wear any other colors would be like not dressing at all. We need a coach who is on board and available immediately to help make critical decisions for 2008 and beyond.

It’s quite possible that Lane Kiffin is a victim of misrepresented job authority, or that he has simply overstepped the boundaries of his job description.

As Jerry McDonald put it, “Kiffin is viewed as being stuck in an organization where Davis is essentially the owner, the general manager, the personnel director, the scouting department and the defacto defensive coordinator—all at age 78.”

I grew up admiring Mr. Davis. He is, in large part, the reason I became a Raiders fan. Far be it for me or anyone else to tell Mr. Davis that he can’t perform all those critical functions himself.

Many of us admired Kiffin for calling out the “whole building” after the final game in 2007, and we saw his ambition and believed him capable of returning the Raiders to greatness.

Unfortunately, his ambition wasn’t the greatness of the Raiders’ past, but the greatness that could be the Raiders’ future. That was his undoing.

Note: Thanks to NY Raider for sharing this take. This is the first in what promises to be a series of “guest takes,” with the intent of celebrating the different voices and perspectives of the Raider Nation.