Desmon Mason Retires is that good for bey?

[Xplosive]

Raven and Titians Wide Receiver Derrick Mason has retired from the NFL recently released on a NFL Website. Now that Mason who is also one of DHB mentors have more Free time. maybe good to benifit bey to help him around the clock when not really occupied with retired life and family life. Mason was Reliable as a receiver not as fast as Bey but reliable. maybe the mentor can help bey more and this could contribute to him being a better receiver which can work out for us.

Mason meet bey and worked with him after meeting him and Devard Darling in maryland.

what yah think

Geaux Raiders
X

[Raidervinny]

DHB needs all the help he can get...if Mason is willing to help then he should do everything in his power to get with Mason as much as possible between now and the opening of training camp. I only wish that Mason could give DHB his hands...now THAT would be a huge help!!

[taquitos43]

maybe good to benifit bey to help him around the clock when not really occupied with retired life and family life.


X



A pick that high shouldn't NEED "around the clock" mentoring. I hope he pans out.

[BigTron]

A pick that high shouldn't NEED "around the clock" mentoring. I hope he pans out.

Yeah when the scouting is done properly. When you rech for a player then people will say this his whole career. You cant take it out on the player haha Its AL Davis who picked him that high. Whats he gonna say no?

[GRIM]

Raven and Titians Wide Receiver Derrick Mason has retired from the NFL recently released on a NFL Website. Now that Mason who is also one of DHB mentors have more Free time. maybe good to benifit bey to help him around the clock when not really occupied with retired life and family life. Mason was Reliable as a receiver not as fast as Bey but reliable. maybe the mentor can help bey more and this could contribute to him being a better receiver which can work out for us.

Mason has been mentoring the Raider wide out since the early terp days as a freshman.

what yah think

Geaux Raiders
X


I think too much of an issue is being made of the Heyward-Bey signing and that the negative media and commentary has tarnished the minds of many Raider fans.

This is a vicious cycle of nonsense that will not stop this offseason. Darius Heyward-Bey will prove his worth on the gridiron. I think it's unfair to the kid and to his fans to say that he was not worth being taken in the first round. If the Oakland Raiders made the decision to pass on that 49er, (who happend to miss all of San Francisco's OTA's with an injury), who the hell are we to question exactly what the Professional eyes saw?

The answer is, we don't have the expertise, nor do we understand all of the miriad of study that goes into these multi-million dollar decisions. However, as a long time Raider fan, I will say this, The Oakland Raiders have always loved speed and DHB provides that speed that the old school mentality, (which will never die in Oakland), clings on to and that will NEVER DIE!

If the media doesn't like the pick, so what? If we as fans allow the media reports to get into our heads, and the NASTY comments former NFL players like Chris Carter made to eat away at our Raider pride, than that is our fault as fans.

Bottom line... If you are a fan, stand behind the team and support the players the Professionals choose to draft in the positions they choose and stop listening to all of the Raider hating the media dishes out, or you will constantly be upset over things and the way they transpire in Oakland.

If you hate Al Davis, just remember, he is MONUMENTAL to the game of Professional Football and is a HALL OF FAMER. They cannot take that away from us! As fans we should be proud and get behind the team.

I hear it all the time from fans of the Raiders, "WIN, LOSE, OR TIE, RAIDERS TIL' I DIE!" Really??? :confused: Sometimes I wonder about that. Does that only pertain to the games on the field? Or, does it carry weight into other aspects of the team and the way the franchise is managed?

The reason why the Raiders are so hated is because of their reputation of being a team that won games, had the best record in ALL of professional sports, held the title of "Winningest team in Monday Night Football History", Prided itself on the preimise that "Speed Kills" and because this team fronted some of the meanest, nastiest bastards to ever dawn a helmet in the entire NFL! This team was respected and feared during the 60's, 70's and 80's!!! DON'T FORGET THAT! That is where our RAIDER PRIDE stems from!

Let me finish this... During the very early 90's, the team lost some of it's swagger and did not produce a Superbowl berth during that decade. This is EXACTLY where the hatred toward the franchise increased and the generation born during Oakland's down years had no memory of the greatness of the Raiders during the 60's, 70's & 80's.

Fans who always disliked the franchise and remember the glory years, prior to the Los Angeles move, began a cycle of hatred that could not be broken. Unless the team would produce wins, the image of the past would be forgotten. That's why guys like me and some other older fans constantly stand up for the team and it's image.

In 1995, the Raiders returned to Oakland following the 1994 Northridge quake in Southern California. The theme in "95" was "RETURN TO GLORY", you see, Al Davis, although he had every intention of making the RAIDERS bigger than life to the ENTIRE WORLD by moving the team to L.A. and attempting to dazzle the world by means of HOLLYWOOD... made a huge mistake. This team belongs to OAKLAND! The team should have NEVER been taken away from it's loyal fans, who were absolutely broken hearted and devastated by the loss of their beloved RAIDERS.

Oakland is the glory land. It will always be where the team belongs. Al Davis realized this and after the Los Angeles business venture failed, he came back to his senses and moved the team back to it's true setting. However, many of the fans who followed the Raiders of the 60's, 70's & 80's had passed away. Many were bitter. Many were fickle and become fans of either the 49ers, or other NFL teams because of the hurtful move to Los Angeles.

As soon as the Raiders moved, during the years before the salary cap and free agency, the San Francisco 49ers became the sole owners of the Bay Area market. The generation of children born during their run of 5 Superbowl championships are mostly, and probably always will be Niner fans. Al Davis lost A LOT of ground over the Los Angeles venture. He lost a huge portion of the market in the Bay Area. His "RETURN TO GLORY" included a new concept for any fans who wished to purchase season tickets, called, "PSL's" Personal seat licenses drove up the ticket prices and many of the fans who remained loyal to the Raiders could not afford tickets and PSL's, along with the maintenance fees required to hold tickets and this is where the Oakland Coliseum would NOT SELL OUT.

Without sellout crowds, the potential fan base within the Bay Area could not be reached. They could not enjoy the games on TV, so... The "RETURN TO GLORY" only made things worse, because it looked as if there were no fan base. The media began their assault on this avenue.

The media and bitter haters of the Raiders organization continues to badmouth the franchise. The team did return to the Superbowl, but has yet to "RETURN TO GLORY"... And maintain the glory of old.

As fans, we are the RAIDERS. We need to agree to support the team and the players, even if we disagree with franchise moves etc. Trust me, this team will find another Superbowl in the near future, so long as the team does not leave it's base again. That move, (although I see what Big Al was attempting to do by moving to "Hollywood'), cost the team it's fanbase and a HUGE portion of support in the Bay Area. I will go a step further and say that the move also cost us two, or three Superbowl appearances as well. And let me take it a step further and say for the record, that the move to Los Angeles cost us within our fan base, bringing this era of doubt and uncertainty within our ranks.

I will close this with saying, Raider fans are passionate and dedicated and there are few teams across the NFL that enjoy the fierce loyalty that this franchise does. All the more reason for the media and haters to hate us. But, lets not forget that since 1995, our team has struggled, made difficult decisions, suffered terrible injustices and loss at the hands of Walt Coleman, (This cost us a glorious meeting that would have been 70's-esque against the Steelers for the AFC CHAMPIONSHIP), and dare I say, another Superbowl. That was our year. Now we see how every move the franchise makes is scrutinized and belittled. Don't buy into it. The team is on the rise again young Raider fans! Mark my words. I am an older man and I can assure you, the vision and fierce determination of Al Davis, and the heart and desire he has to bring this team back to swagger will never, never, NEVER DIE!

So, with that said, let's give the young players a chance. There is a helluva lot that was broken in the past they need to fix. Forget all of the hype about Garcia and DHB VS Crabs... Forget hoping guys who have played their careers out like Mason can help DHB, and forget what guys like the old, spent Chris Carter say's about a kid who hasn't even sniffed out a single down in a preseason contest, and let's just allow time for this rebuilding process to gel. Once that happens, there are many good and dare I say glorious seasons ahead for us to enjoy.

Even if I died tonight, I can say, "It's been a very nice ride!"


All my Raider heart,

"G"

[Sleet]

Its been said before on this Board, if the NYGs trade up to #17 and draft DHB, they are applauded. DHB was a consensus 1st round pick. The fact that people are applauding Murphy, as a find, before either of them have even been to camp, is ridiculous. Nobody had Murphy listed even in the 2nd round.

[CrossBones]

Its been said before on this Board, if the NYGs trade up to #17 and draft DHB, they are applauded. DHB was a consensus 1st round pick. The fact that people are applauding Murphy, as a find, before either of them have even been to camp, is ridiculous. Nobody had Murphy listed even in the 2nd round.I've said this before too --- there is going to be plenty of opportunity to bitch and moan once the season starts. I see nothing positive coming out of all the bitching and moaning about our draft picks before any of them takes the field in a real NFL game. The Sky Is Falling crowd may well be right. If so you can crated an "I told you so" thread. The Kool Aid drinkers, if proven wrong, can create "I should have known threads".

Luckily the great Bones is neither. Of course, the fuckers better produce. :p

[Raidervinny]

Its been said before on this Board, if the NYGs trade up to #17 and draft DHB, they are applauded. DHB was a consensus 1st round pick. The fact that people are applauding Murphy, as a find, before either of them have even been to camp, is ridiculous. Nobody had Murphy listed even in the 2nd round.

The big difference is that the ONLY thing missing from the Giants' offense now that they don't have Burress is a big speed guy. We have MANY more needs on our O. Also, they have the Defense to bail them out when they go for a long pass play and miss on 3rd and short...we don't. Their Defense affords them the opportunites to gamble...ours doesn't. DHB would have been a good fit for teams like the Giants and the Ravens...teams that didn't need much on Offense or Defense...just a guy that could stretch the field and possible make a play or two. Since those two teams were picking in the 20's they would have also been able to pick him up for a LOT less money making him a better value for them. With the number of holes we have on both O and D we didn't have the luxury of spending top dollar on a one-dimensional player like DHB.

Uh...Murphy was a 4th rounder not a 2nd rounder. Once again...good VALUE...getting a guy with many of the measurable as DHB but with better hands at a much better price.

[GRIM]

Its been said before on this Board, if the NYGs trade up to #17 and draft DHB, they are applauded. DHB was a consensus 1st round pick. The fact that people are applauding Murphy, as a find, before either of them have even been to camp, is ridiculous. Nobody had Murphy listed even in the 2nd round.

Yes. If we let DHB slide, no matter who we took it would have been scrutinized anyway. Then Bey ends up somewhere else, probably on the East coast and the pick is hailed as brilliant.

My question is, "Where is all the mockery of Crabtree?" :confused:

I mean, Darius Bey gets absolutely shredded by Chris Carter and the media along with many, many fans inside of the Raider Nation. Actually shows up for OTA's, pulls a hamstring, (an injury that is difficult to heal from), and then he re-pulls the hammy, all the while trying to win a spot , while CRABTREE sits on his duff throughout the entire length of SFO's OTA's, and we don't hear a peep about it, other than by informed fans. :shakehead: Where does this equal bust on the part of DHB?

If CRABTREE was injured so badly that he had to sit out all of San Francisco's OTA's, wouldn't it be safe to say that his injury was quite disconcerting. I mean, disconcerting enough to have to sit out the entire length of OTA's? Yet, the Raiders passing on an INJURED CRABTREE and swooping on the FASTER & obviously healthier DHB is met with ridicule? :confused:

What would have transpired had the RAIDERS taken Michael Crabtree and then had him sit out OTA's? I'll tell you... "We would have been called stupid for passing on DHB for the damaged Crabtree, who could not practice during OTA's!" And SFO, or whoever landed DHB would he hearlded as genius for avoiding "damaged goods". It's just media bias. Nothing more, nothing less. Study the film on both players and then go back and listen to that HATER Chris Carter bag on DHB. It really pisses me off.

Get over it. The Raiders can never make the right moves in the eyes of the media. They never have, they never will. That's why we were underdogs against both Washington Redskins and Philly Eagles in both Superbowls we won in the 80's. Just like DHB, Oakland didn't have a chance.

Do you see a pattern? No? Do you want to borrow my silver & black colored shades?

[GRIM]

The big difference is that the ONLY thing missing from the Giants' offense now that they don't have Burress is a big speed guy. We have MANY more needs on our O. Also, they have the Defense to bail them out when they go for a long pass play and miss on 3rd and short...we don't. Their Defense affords them the opportunites to gamble...ours doesn't. DHB would have been a good fit for teams like the Giants and the Ravens...teams that didn't need much on Offense or Defense...just a guy that could stretch the field and possible make a play or two. Since those two teams were picking in the 20's they would have also been able to pick him up for a LOT less money making him a better value for them. With the number of holes we have on both O and D we didn't have the luxury of spending top dollar on a one-dimensional player like DHB.

Uh...Murphy was a 4th rounder not a 2nd rounder. Once again...good VALUE...getting a guy with many of the measurable as DHB but with better hands at a much better price.

Who should we have taken Vince?

Really... I want to know what you think so we can watch and see if we were as wrong as some think.

DHB was a nice toy for Russell to play with considering the arm and the speed Al Davis loves so much. Al Davis probably thought taking a burner like Bey would open things up for DMC, BUSH & MILLER... So, as far as value goes, we need to wait and see. And have some fun.

[Raidervinny]

Who should we have taken Vince?

Really... I want to know what you think so we can watch and see if we were as wrong as some think.

DHB was a nice toy for Russell to play with considering the arm and the speed Al Davis loves so much. Al Davis probably thought taking a burner like Bey would open things up for DMC, BUSH & MILLER... So, as far as value goes, we need to wait and see. And have some fun.

I would have loved to see the Raiders take either BJ Raji, Crabtree or Eugene Monroe.

Sure...I think we should have a thread to keep track of the various picks that the various posters on this board would have chosed. It would be fun to look back and see who panned out and who didn't.

Sure, speed is great...and it's not just the Raiders that covet speed...ask any coach or GM and they will all say that speed is something they look for. However, speed doesn't do much good if there isn't the football insticts and ability to back it up. To me, DHB is more of an athlete than a football player. He's an overpaid underproductive toy on our team but would have the chance to be a missing piece of the puzzle on a team like the Ravens or Giants.

By the way, people to make "I told you so" threads should be shot. Look, it's simply my opinion that DHB will turn out to be more bust than bang. But, it doesn't do the Raiders any good if this happens so why the hell would I want to brag about that? If DHB turns out to be a good player then I'm wrong and I'm an idiot but the Raiders benefit and that's the important thing.

[GRIM]

It doesn't make you an idiot just because you have an opinion Vinny.

Just sayin'...

[GRIM]

My opinion is he just simply fits the system that the Raiders are trying to accomplish.

One things for sure, he will have to be accounted for opening up other WR's with his speed.

[Raidervinny]

It doesn't make you an idiot just because you have an opinion Vinny.

Just sayin'...


I know...just pokin' a little fun at myself. I have strong opinions but I'm not so thick-headed that I can't admit when I'm wrong. Good thing it doesn't happen very often! :D

[Raidervinny]

My opinion is he just simply fits the system that the Raiders are trying to accomplish.

One things for sure, he will have to be accounted for opening up other WR's with his speed.

Yeah...but so do Schilens and Murphy. Both are over 6'2" and both are damn near as fast as DHB. That's why I would have liked to see us draft an OL or DL instead.

Maybe...I'm not as convinced of this as you and some of the others. If speed and size were all it took to be a solid player or to open up opportunites for other offensive players then Matt Jones would have never been released by the Jags and he sure as heck would have been picked up by another team by now, drug issues or not. There are a lot of WR's in the league that possess blistering 40 times but not many have translated that into big numbers on the field. This is still a league that is ruled by actual abilities...not by potential. Does DHB have the abilities to be successful? We shall soon find out.

[Sleet]

WRs and DBs are only as good at the OL and DL. If the OL gives the QB enough time to throw, WRs can excell. If DT gives the QB little time to throw, DBs can excell. But it doesn't work the other way around, unfortunately. Al has passed way too often on good OL and DL in favor of DBs and WRs. Thus, we have been bottom feeding for a while, now. Just think about how many DBs and WRs have washed out in the last 5 years. I would sure have liked a shot at a few OL and DL with those picks.

[RaiderIVlife]

DHB needs all the help he can get...if Mason is willing to help then he should do everything in his power to get with Mason as much as possible between now and the opening of training camp. I only wish that Mason could give DHB his hands...now THAT would be a huge help!!

Hahahahaha. That is pretty funny & spot on.

Not that you asked, but you're continued "negativity" has worked me a bit, but I guess you'd probably view it as "realism". Either way, I couldn't agree with your take about Mason any more.

He has been a very solid player for years. Comparable to Tim Brown IMHO. If DHB is anywhere near as good a player as Mason, we should apologize to Al Davis ten-fold. Exellent football player. I can't recall a longer WR drought during my 29 years as a Raider Fan.

[GRIM]

I can't recall a longer WR drought during my 29 years as a Raider Fan.

Nor can I, however, I did see it coming back in the early 2000's with Timmy slowing and Rice packing it in. I have to say, I wondered why we didn't address it sooner and then when we brought in Moss, I thought we were going to overcome, but that didn't work. Then we brought in Javon, and that didn't work.

I'm hoping these new prospects turn out to be gems and that we front a formidable attack, because not only is this team young, if we find our nuts we're going to be good and get better over the years.

Rebuilding is never easy.

[Raidervinny]

It's really only DHB that I'm negative about...ok, mabe the rest of the draft as well...but I'm pretty positive and optomistic about everything else. I love our backs, our TE, the rest of our WR's and I do think JaMarcus has a very good chance of becoming a very good QB.

I'm sorry if my 'negativity' has put you off. I've really tried hard not to continue to post the same old stuff as even I get tired of hearing myself bitch about DBH. I couldn't resist today for some reason. I'll try a bit harder to even things out a bit and make sure I post some positive too.

[Raidervinny]

WRs and DBs are only as good at the OL and DL. If the OL gives the QB enough time to throw, WRs can excell. If DT gives the QB little time to throw, DBs can excell. But it doesn't work the other way around, unfortunately. Al has passed way too often on good OL and DL in favor of DBs and WRs. Thus, we have been bottom feeding for a while, now. Just think about how many DBs and WRs have washed out in the last 5 years. I would sure have liked a shot at a few OL and DL with those picks.


As Ocho Cinco would say..."too true Bill...too true".

[RaiderIVlife]

Nor can I, however, I did see it coming back in the early 2000's with Timmy slowing and Rice packing it in. I have to say, I wondered why we didn't address it sooner and then when we brought in Moss, I thought we were going to overcome, but that didn't work. Then we brought in Javon, and that didn't work.

I'm hoping these new prospects turn out to be gems and that we front a formidable attack, because not only is this team young, if we find our nuts we're going to be good and get better over the years.

Rebuilding is never easy.

Exactly right. We kept trying to do it on the cheap by "developing" guys like Alexander Wright, Johnnie Morant, Carlos Francis, and countless others.

I guess it made sense to focus on other priorities with a solid offensive line, running game, Rich Gannon & Tim Brown pacing the offense.

Unfortunately for the Raiders, the entire Offense got "old" at basically the same time and the failure to upgrade the offensive line & QB have devastated this team.

We've had to focus alot of resources (draft picks & money) to those areas and that says nothing about our woes, and subsequent drafting, regarding our Defense at the same time.

Of course either our drafting or our ability to coach upplayers during the past number of years has been suspect. As succesfull as we were during the 'Chucky' years, he didn't really "develop" any players either.

Is that an idictment on our drafting? Perhaps.

I would say that our past 3 -4 draft have a lot of potential. 2006, 2007 & 2008 have yielded plenty of starters and/or significant contributers:

JaMarcus Russell - QB
Zach Miller - TE
Michael Bush - RB
Darren McFadden - RB
Mario Henderson - LT
Chaz Shillens - WR
JLH - WR/ST
Oren ONeil - FB
Trevor Scott - DE
Thomas Howard - OLB
Kirk Morrison - MLB
Calvin Branch - S
John Alston - LB/ST

Did I forget anyone?

The point is that we have drafted better of late IMHO and I see no reason why we should assume that the 2009 draft is crap before they even hit camp.

The apparent rationale for drafting guys like DHB (speed at WR to open up the field), Mike Mitchell (hammer at SS with speed), Shuanessy (size at DE), & Luis Murphy (athletic depth to compete at WR) is sound IMO.

Could we have focused more on DT or OL? Sure, but with so many holes, you can't focus on everything.

Point is, let's see how this thing plays out. If we are competitive .500 football team by the time this season concludes, is that progress enough for anyone? It is for me (big shrug).

[RaiderIVlife]

It's really only DHB that I'm negative about...ok, mabe the rest of the draft as well...but I'm pretty positive and optomistic about everything else. I love our backs, our TE, the rest of our WR's and I do think JaMarcus has a very good chance of becoming a very good QB.

I'm sorry if my 'negativity' has put you off. I've really tried hard not to continue to post the same old stuff as even I get tired of hearing myself bitch about DBH. I couldn't resist today for some reason. I'll try a bit harder to even things out a bit and make sure I post some positive too.

Wasn't trying to censor you dude. Roll how you roll. I probably just want get into much of a debate with you at this time, at least not during Julywhen so much is uncertain. That's all.

[Raidervinny]

Wasn't trying to censor you dude. Roll how you roll. I probably just want get into much of a debate with you at this time, at least not during Julywhen so much is uncertain. That's all.

It's all good R4L...there will be plenty to debate about as the season rolls on.

[Sleet]

Ocho who? And who's Bill?

[Sleet]

R4L: Al's drafts (Kiffin 1, Kiffin 2) appear to have a lot of potential. Finding Scott and Schilens last year in the 6th and 7th rounds was huge. Now if Branch starts, Shields makes the team, and McFadden's healthy, that small draft class might turn out as one of Al's best.

2009, not so much. But what jumps out at me is, going back to Callahan, is the number of picks Al has wasted on WRs and DBs, particularly S. You pointed out a few already. I believe you turn things around a lot quicker by building through the trenches.

[Birdwell]

Nice rant, Grim.

The lack of sellouts was a result of a bad deal Al Davis made with Oakland. Oakland was solely responsible for marketing the team and selling tickets, and Davis never got all the stadium upgrades that were supposed be part of the deal. When the Raiders took over marketing and selling of tickets in 2006, they had five or six sellouts despite a team that only won two games. Yes, hurt the fans.

That is behind us now.

Oh, RaiderIVLife,

I believe the safety you want is Tyvon Branch, not Calvin Branch.