4 winnable games left...

[007]

Just double checking the schedule, and its not too bad:

Washington
@Cleveland
@Denver
Baltimore

If Grads can win say...3 of 4 to finish the year, what do you think his chances of starting next year are?

What about Cable staying? How many does he need to win (IF any) to keep his job?

Man, if we could finish 7-9 I would call this season an overwhelming success!

I think 6-10 is more realistic, but who knows. We could even lose all 4, but I think Cleveland and Washington are decent matchups for us.

Washington and Cleveland are two of the worse run defenses, so maybe we can establish a little bit of power on the ground...

Who knows.

[007]

Mother f*cker!

I put this in the wrong forum.

Bones, can you fix this shit?

Lolz.

[hawaiianboy]

I'd be surprised if we won 2/4... I mean it's great that Bruce Chucknorriski played a great game and this team showed some heart, but this team hasn't been able to put together back to back good games in I don't know how long... The Donx and Ravens games may be a situation where both are fighting for playoff spots...


Not trying to be Debbie Downer or anything but one game isn't going to wipe out the coaching Fubars we've seen this year and the fact is we have a habit of no showing about half time time during Cable's watch... I hope this game is similar to the game at KC under Gruden's watch that indicated things were getting turned around, but until proven different Warren Sapp's comments about the Raiders not being able to handle success still ring loud...

[Sabers]

All true, HB. The difference with Gradkowski is that you feel as if he at least gives the Raiders a chance to pull out of the nosedive. With La-Z-Boy at QB, there simply was none, a reality even The Mummy was forced to accept, at least temporarily.

G.
'09 for COOP and "CANE!

[007]

Yeah. I'm not predicting 4 wins, but 3 is doable and 2 is likely (As I said).

I think we'll be competitive in these final games, and I would love to knock the Donkeys out of playoff contention with a late season, mile high upset.

The team just looks different with a real QB out there.

[Crow]

Cleveland is one to be optimistic about (cautiously), but I wouldn't call Washington a good matchup. They were a shanked chipshot away from knocking the Saints off the mountain, and are one of the better defenses in the league right now. If LaRon Landry doesn't do Grads the favors he did Brees, it could be a rough game.

And you just know that MeAngelo, if he plays, will Forrest Gump his way into an INT.

After the throttling Denver gave the Raiders last time around...yeah. Not gonna get excited about that one.

Baltimore...goes without saying. Gonna take some serious Gradkowski magic to do better than 1-3 in this stretch.

[Postmaster]

One game at a time fellas, one game at a time.

All I want to see is Grad take the reigns win or lose. We need to get that position shored up in the worst way.

[007]

I know all about the 'any given sunday' mantra, and for all that...We did beat Pitt, Cincy and Philly this year.

Washington is a team that doesnt have the elite WR to beat us up, their OL is shaky, Portis is either injured or old, and they have struggled defending the run. It'll be a dogfight but I think we can take it at home.

Every Washington game is close, but they've beaten some crappy teams this year.

If KC and Detroit can beat them, we've got a shot.

[CrossBones]

Every Washington game is close, but they've beaten some crappy teams this year.

Ah oh.

Just sayin'. :^

[Crow]

Ah oh.

Just sayin'. :^

So you're saying there's a chance...


...for them.

[007]

Washington and Oakland are both terrible, and Washington plays down to their opponents or up to the good ones.

They've lost their last 3 buy something like 10 points total, so you know it will be close.

I figure its a coin flip or a late turnover.

[Postmaster]

That flight out to Oakland after losing a heart breaker to the Saints today should be all we need........but that's why they play the games.

[raiderfreak7]

If we win three I'll shit my pants. Four, and I'll ravage the mean streets of North Dakota.

Two is more realistic and it'll appease me. Probably put me in a 'meh' state about Cable sticking around. One thing is for certain, he needs an offensive coordinator.

[SoCalRaider]

Just double checking the schedule, and its not too bad:

Washington
@Cleveland
@Denver
Baltimore

That's not easy... by any stretch....

(1) I feel more comfortable knowing the Skins have to travel cross county to play us than the other way around.... I'll be surprised if we lose that one...

(2) Going up against Rob Ryan will be real interesting... We know how he coaches.... He knows how Al coaches.... These usually work against a stupid organization like Al's group.... but I still think Grad pulls this out....

(3) Unless it snowing.... it would be the upset of all upsets if we go into Denver and beat them.... I'm not banking on this one....

(4) If Baltimore has something to play for, we lose.... If they're out of the playoffs.... they prolly don't show up and we win....

3-1 is my optimistic projection...... 2-2 is my expectation.....


If Grads can win say...3 of 4 to finish the year, what do you think his chances of starting next year are?

Less than 0..... unless Al dies of course. Dummy is getting paid to start. He starts next year no matter what.




What about Cable staying? How many does he need to win (IF any) to keep his job?

I'm not sure it comes down to wins.... I think it comes down to whether Al can find a way to fire him for cause so he can scum bag his way out of paying the man the money he owes him. Not likely in my opinion... unless Cable beats another woman up.....






Man, if we could finish 7-9 I would call this season an overwhelming success!
The only way a non-playoff season is a success in my book is if dummy is not on the roster at season's end.

[poptart]

It's a pity the Raiders didn't yank Russell out of the starting line-up around week 4 or 5, like they should have.

They might have been able to keep their nose in the wildcard hunt.

It's all mop-up time now.

But I'd like to finish the season with some success, and with the team feeling like it's starting to come into it's own a bit.

Like last seas ...


errr...


Nevermind.



I predict we'll win 2 more games.

Next week is a W and funny as it may sound, I think we'll win @ Denver.

[Sabers]

Two more wins wouldn't give the Raiders a winning season, but it might be enough to save Tom Cable's job as head coach. He really does need to turn over the play-calling to someone else, though.

G.
'09 for COOP and 'CANE!

[poptart]

I don't think there's any doubt we'll see an O-Coordinator in here next year.
And a new head coach wouldn't surprise me in the least.

[Postmaster]

For continuity's sake maybe Hackett should call plays. I believe he was OC for the Chiefs and Jets?

I don't think he was very successful. But he didn't have Bruce Almighty to work with either.

[BigTron]

I dont mind Cable as the HC. But we need a legit OC.

[RaiderNationUK]

Cable called a better game yesterday the 4th & Short play action to Huggy was a nice call! But I agree we need a proper OC.

IMHO, next week is key to our remaining games. If we win next week for 2 on the bounce then we go to Mile High with our heads up and hopefully make a game of it, if we beat the Donks then I don't see Cleveland being a problem, but, I don't see us beating Baltimore.

IF we beat the Skins, I say we go 3-1, if not, 1-3.

[Crow]

For continuity's sake maybe Hackett should call plays. I believe he was OC for the Chiefs and Jets?

I don't think he was very successful. But he didn't have Bruce Almighty to work with either.

He was run out of town on a rail, IIRC. I think his best bet is to remain a QB coach until the UFL comes calling.

As for the idea of winning 2 more games, that'll put us in good position for CB Joe Haden. Not my first choice, but I'm intentionally warming myself up to the idea based entirely on it's likelihood.

[EZRaider]

Just double checking the schedule, and its not too bad:

Washington
@Cleveland
@Denver
Baltimore


We did beat Pitt, Cincy and Philly this year.


If we beat Washington, Cleveland, and Baltimore, all our wins this year would be vs. teams within a 305 mile radius of Pittsburgh.

hmmm.

[Rupert]

if we beat washington, cleveland, and baltimore, all our wins this year would be vs. Teams within a 305 mile radius of pittsburgh.

Hmmm.

lol!

[gannoncannon]

If we beat Washington, Cleveland, and Baltimore, all our wins this year would be vs. teams within a 305 mile radius of Pittsburgh.

hmmm.

We have the potential to beat the entire AFC North in 1 season! (knock on wood)

[Limee]

The Akron Raiders would be unbeatable.

[Birdwell]

All this agreement about the absolute need for a new play caller/OC is interesting. I would have thought the past few games have shown that Cable does know what he's doing, now that he's getting the execution he needs from the QB spot (and having a healthy Chaz Schilens and Zach Miller back helps, too).

The plays that Cable said (and most of us saw as they were missed or dropped) available in the passing game happened in the 4th quarter Sunday. It honestly does take time to implement a new system to the point that it actually works in the NFL. Haven't we read Raider players talking about how they kinda envy the stability of some other teams that don't change coordinators (and offensive philosophies) every few seasons? Is the ANY reason at all to believe that such is not the case now, and that what we're seeing is the Helen-Keller-at-the-Water-pump moment for the Raider O?

(Thanks to speedkills21 for that phrase.)

The fact that our backup C Chris Morris (who also backs up both G positions) played and made all the line calls against the Pittsburgh D, and Langston Walker played his first pro game ever at G -- the fact that these guys were in there when the 4th Q explosion happened, showed that we have the talent and depth on the line to get the job done. Not that we don't need an upgrade at RT and RG, and maybe C unless Morris becomes the starter (or Satele learns the damn playbook intuitively and can both call a a game and execute his responsibility), but we have something workable now.

We know we have a player in Schilens. It sure looks, and has looked all season, like we have a player in Murphy. Higgins will make his plays in the slot or as 4th WR. DHB has shown some ability to get open, especially deep which is the primary job at split end, but has his documented troubles with his hands and with precision in some of the shorter routes. And Todd watkins just keeps hanging around the roster and making the occasional big third down catch (Sunday's was not his first). We know what we have in Fargas, and a decent idea about Bush. Haven't really found a use yet for McFadden -- got four games to keep working on that. Notice how no one is bitching about the play of the FBs? Lawton and Russell are getting the job done.

Gradkowski still isn't the guy I'd prefer to be the starting QB, but he sure has earned the right to start the rest of the season. I'll be watching what he does against the Baltimore D, as that is is one of the Ds that is worst suited to what Gradkowski does best, better suited to being attacked along the lines that are not his strength. Key will be how well he develops his rapport with the WRs -- because he has shown the ability to put a really good touch on balls about twenty yards downfield that could just kill an attacking D. Thing is, Polamalu didn't play in Pittsburgh, but Reed will probably play for Baltimore.

Anyone notice how well the D is playing, though? Still have a problem with the slot going going deep over the middle, and that big play thing is already very old and tired. But those plays are happening with less frequency, on average. Marshall's gap defense is showing that it will work, too. Finding the possible answer at SAM is huge. If we get a guy who can play NT in the draft, we have the the DEs to play a 3-4 whenever we want (Kelly and Seymour), and even now a competent enough LB corps of SAM Howard, LILB Williams, RILB Morrison, WILL Scott to be pretty scary. (Williams' greatest problem has always been playing in space, odd ofr a guy with his speed, but there you have it. He's actually looked okay at MIKE when he's played there, mostly in exhibition but sometimes effectively down on goal line and short yardage after the O shifts Morrison away.)

Things might be starting to work. The sign of how much confidence to have will not just be the next four games, but how Nnamdi Asomughas' contract talks go after the season is over.

[gannoncannon]

Haven't really found a use yet for McFadden -- got four games to keep working on that.

The thing that frustrates me about the play-calling with McFadden is how much we seemingly just run him up the middle. Doesn't seem to be utilizing his appropriate skill set.

[Diceq]

If only Bey catches pass at the end vs. KC...or in Q1....
If only we held on in Week 1 vs Bolts...

I think we'll win in Clev....and I really want to take Denver down....

1st the Skins who have been playing much better since George Clinton Portis got his concussion.



BTW-I'd like to see a Full time OC not because Cable is inept...but because I think the HC position requires time devotion everywhere.

[Birdwell]

The thing that frustrates me about the play-calling with McFadden is how much we seemingly just run him up the middle. Doesn't seem to be utilizing his appropriate skill set.

I don't fundamentally disagree; yet given McFadden's skills are best use wide and in space, if that is how we use him the majority of the time Ds will anticipate and stop it. Arguably, the reason McFadden cuts so many runs inside when we ZB is because the D flows so fast to the outside knowing how dangerous he is if they let him have the corner.

Yet another why a split back set as opposed to the I formation really makes sense for this team. With the exception of Lawton as a runner and Fargas as a receiver, all five backs on the team are good as both runners and receivers. McFadden would benefit from the deception of the split back set, as would Fargas and Bush and Russell as runners, and Bush and Russell and Lawton as receivers. Lawton isn't a bad runner, and can be utilized occasionally to surprise a D, just like Fargas has been used in the passing game throughout his career.

And if not split backs, maybe an adaptation of the pistol formation Nevada uses. I've seen Memphis and a few other schools use it to great effect.

[gannoncannon]

If only Bey catches pass at the end vs. KC...or in Q1....
If only we held on in Week 1 vs Bolts...


Could be 6-6 right now...damn.

[gannoncannon]

I'm not familiar with the pistol formation, but I agree on most of your other points. Would LOVE to see some split backs. Maybe the blocking ability of the o-line is a question? Or maybe Cable doesn't know how best to utilize his players.

We should play to McFadden's strengths FIRST. Then when defenses start stopping it, we adjust. Playing to his weaknesses and then occasionally to his strengths seems backwards to me: we're using McFadden as an occasional gimmick instead of a more consistent weapon.

I don't fundamentally disagree; yet given McFadden's skills are best use wide and in space, if that is how we use him the majority of the time Ds will anticipate and stop it. Arguably, the reason McFadden cuts so many runs inside when we ZB is because the D flows so fast to the outside knowing how dangerous he is if they let him have the corner.

Yet another why a split back set as opposed to the I formation really makes sense for this team. With the exception of Lawton as a runner and Fargas as a receiver, all five backs on the team are good as both runners and receivers. McFadden would benefit from the deception of the split back set, as would Fargas and Bush and Russell as runners, and Bush and Russell and Lawton as receivers. Lawton isn't a bad runner, and can be utilized occasionally to surprise a D, just like Fargas has been used in the passing game throughout his career.

And if not split backs, maybe an adaptation of the pistol formation Nevada uses. I've seen Memphis and a few other schools use it to great effect.

[Madturk]

BTW-I'd like to see a Full time OC not because Cable is inept...but because I think the HC position requires time devotion everywhere.

I just think he's way in over his head trying to do both. Dealing with all the other bs and trying to match wits with some great DC's. He's been badly outcoached in many of our losses this season. Some of his playcalling is certainly questionable, like when he tried to pull that flea flicker Sun when we had a positive drive going. How many times has he put us in a hole because he tried to deliver the home run ball to DHBust when we had success running the ball? He's certainly not helping Dmac's chances to avoid the bust label. Running him into the pile for 2.8 yards a pop just ain't getting it done.

[TheMadStork]

I'm not familiar with the pistol formation, but I agree on most of your other points. Would LOVE to see some split backs. Maybe the blocking ability of the o-line is a question? Or maybe Cable doesn't know how best to utilize his players.

We should play to McFadden's strengths FIRST. Then when defenses start stopping it, we adjust. Playing to his weaknesses and then occasionally to his strengths seems backwards to me: we're using McFadden as an occasional gimmick instead of a more consistent weapon.

I think the coaches are seeing what anyone watching the games has seen...that McFadden has very little lateral quickness or vision and can't seem to break a tackle. Like I've said before, he reminds me WAY too much of Herschel Walker for me to hope that he'll ever be very good.

[Rupert]

I'm not familiar with the pistol formation, but I agree on most of your other points. Would LOVE to see some split backs. Maybe the blocking ability of the o-line is a question? Or maybe Cable doesn't know how best to utilize his players.

We should play to McFadden's strengths FIRST. Then when defenses start stopping it, we adjust. Playing to his weaknesses and then occasionally to his strengths seems backwards to me: we're using McFadden as an occasional gimmick instead of a more consistent weapon.

Pistol is a half shotgun. Instead of the QB being 4-5 yards deep, he's about 2 deep with the FB/HB still at 4-5 deep. It kinda splits the difference.

[Point&Shoot]

I think the coaches are seeing what anyone watching the games has seen...that McFadden has very little lateral quickness or vision and can't seem to break a tackle. Like I've said before, he reminds me WAY too much of Herschel Walker for me to hope that he'll ever be very good.

Agreed, and I would add, he also has a propensity for putting the ball on the ground.

McFadden's best chance at success in this league is as a receiver. The sooner they begin the conversion process the more likely the team will be able to salvage his career.

[RaiderRobert]

Agreed, and I would add, he also has a propensity for putting the ball on the ground.

McFadden's best chance at success in this league is as a receiver. The sooner they begin the conversion process the more likely the team will be able to salvage his career.

I feel the same way, although I think he could be a good return guy. I just don't see him as a RB. I think Bush is a potential All-Pro if we could feed him the rock behind a stable O-Line. If we fixed our line, he would be a 1000+ yard rusher and 500+ yard receiver out of the backfield. We should have kept Rankin instead of Russell, but with the injury to O'Neal I understood.

[eleven]

Agreed, and I would add, he also has a propensity for putting the ball on the ground.

McFadden's best chance at success in this league is as a receiver. The sooner they begin the conversion process the more likely the team will be able to salvage his career.

I'm thinking the same thing.

Back in the day Ahmad Rashad was converted by the Cards and more recently the Saints have had success converting Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson.

He looked pretty good running routes against Dallas but Gradkowski was shit that day and couldn't hit him.

I definitely think he could have a future there....or at least that's about the only future I see for him at this point.


Correction: Henderson converted while still in college.

[CrossBones]

Pistol is a half shotgun. Instead of the QB being 4-5 yards deep, he's about 2 deep with the FB/HB still at 4-5 deep. It kinda splits the difference.That's the most useful thing you've said in a week. :woot:

[eleven]

That's the most useful thing you've said in a week. :woot:

:p

[Rupert]

That's the most useful thing you've said in a week. :woot:

Which puts me one up on you?

[CrossBones]

Which puts me one up on you?Dumbass.

[Rupert]

Dumbass.

No. So far this week I've been a smartass.

[Diceq]

Portis to IR and they cut the kicker for a new guy from the UFL

[Birdwell]

McFadden remind anyone else of Charlie Garner? Garner was a wizard as a short and medium depth receiver, and bounced plays designed inside outside with great regularity. He ran with more power than McFadden does, but I'd be looking at film of how Garner was used everywhere he was (SF, Philly, here). Not copy it, but use as inspiration.

McFadden has RB skills that some of the other converts don't have. And does anyone notice how he hits? Put him in split backs and Ds would start hoping he carries the ball and doesn't lead.

[Abelardo]

I don't know if we can win three out of four, specially when only on rare ocasions we have been able to win two games in a row. If we can make it, it may means a step forward.

[Rupert]

The real key is getting back-to-back good games from Gradkowski.

Hell, I'd like to see a solid game instead of one awesome quarter.

Getting that, even if we wind up with a loss will go a long way to turning this team around.

It's what we couldn't get under Shell, and haven't gotten yet this season, consistently good execution.

If Gradkowski plays a solid game, the WR's catch the ball, the OL blocks adequately, the defense puts up some stops and cuts down the big plays, we might just be onto something.

I'm hoping we get it. We've seen too much crap recently.

[Crow]

McFadden remind anyone else of Charlie Garner?

Not even a little bit, no. Garner could stop-start, juke, spin...ya know. Do something other than run in a straight line and fumble.

Garner's hands were WR-esque. McFadden's...I've yet to see anything that would indicate he'll ever be half the receiver (or runner, for that matter) that Garner was.

Best comparison I can come up with at this point is Michael Bennett, and even he managed to elude a tackler from time to time.

Maybe Trung Canidate would be a better comparison.

Garner? They're not even remotely similar.

[Diceq]

[QUOTE=Rupert;138062]The real key is getting back-to-back good games from Gradkowski.

Hell, I'd like to see a solid game instead of one awesome quarter.

Exactly-We have not seen that since Callahan was HC...

But the quarter was awsome-I watched the game again on replay...

That trick play was half assed and our D made 2 huge stands in H1...but Holmes in H2 ...too easy...
Props to Branch for running him down...even though Mendenhall made it moot...

I hope we keep it rolling...

[Madturk]

Not even a little bit, no. Garner could stop-start, juke, spin...ya know. Do something other than run in a straight line and fumble.

Garner's hands were WR-esque. McFadden's...I've yet to see anything that would indicate he'll ever be half the receiver (or runner, for that matter) that Garner was.

Best comparison I can come up with at this point is Michael Bennett, and even he managed to elude a tackler from time to time.

Maybe Trung Canidate would be a better comparison.

Garner? They're not even remotely similar.

I'd have to agree, apples and oranges. Still can't forget that memorable run he had against the Steelers on MNF. He looked like a pin ball bouncing off those defenders. Actually if I had to make a comparison, I would say DMac reminds me more of Nap Kauffman. Both strictly north-south guys, ok hands, and not the hardest guys to bring down.

[Rupert]

I'd have to agree, apples and oranges. Still can't forget that memorable run he had against the Steelers on MNF. He looked like a pin ball bouncing off those defenders. Actually if I had to make a comparison, I would say DMac reminds me more of Nap Kauffman. Both strictly north-south guys, ok hands, and not the hardest guys to bring down.

Bad comparison. Nap Kaufman was a nasty piece of work coming into the league. He'd churn his legs, dart around and work for extra yards. He was HARD to bring down, then he found Jesus and became a minister. After that, he was a pussycat. And yeah, a lot more like DMac, but still much more lateral.

[TheMadStork]

Bad comparison. Nap Kaufman was a nasty piece of work coming into the league. He'd churn his legs, dart around and work for extra yards. He was HARD to bring down, then he found Jesus and became a minister. After that, he was a pussycat. And yeah, a lot more like DMac, but still much more lateral.

That's what frustrates me so much about McFadden. It seems like he gives up as soon as he gets hit. The legs stop and he just tries to lean forward. Keeping the legs moving is instinctive and I'm not sure that can be coached into him.

Garner, on the other hand, was Barry Sanders Lite. Lots and lots of fun to watch. I saw him leave defenders grabbing air more than a few times.

And you're dead on about Nap. He was never the same player after he got religion. Had a few good games, but never the same edge.

[Rupert]

That's what frustrates me so much about McFadden. It seems like he gives up as soon as he gets hit. The legs stop and he just tries to lean forward. Keeping the legs moving is instinctive and I'm not sure that can be coached into him.

Garner, on the other hand, was Barry Sanders Lite. Lots and lots of fun to watch. I saw him leave defenders grabbing air more than a few times.

And you're dead on about Nap. He was never the same player after he got religion. Had a few good games, but never the same edge.

Nailed it on Garner. Injuries hurt his early career. Who knows what he could have been with a full career.

That has always been my problem with DMac. I'd watch him and think, "Okay, he's good. He's explosive. He's a threat to go all the way at any time." But he just left me cold. Not like AP does now, or Shaun Alexander did when he came out. Wheatley got me more excited than DMac does. You knew he was going to fight for yards and if he got loose, was going to run hard and fast.

DMac needs blocking like we got in the old days. The kind of holes Bo Jackson ran through on some of his huge plays. DMac isn't even as gutsy of a runner as Eric Dickerson was. Dickerson is a good comparison though.

I definitely agree on the keeping the legs moving. It's taught early and just becomes a piece of how you do things. McFadden tires to keep the legs going, but it looks more like when your dog does it in a dream, kinda feeble. At this point in his career, it still can change, but not substantively, and not soon.

[Postmaster]

Lockerroom message

By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 at 11:40 am in Oakland Raiders.

Posted in several places throughout the locker room today is the following message:

Sunday 12-13-09

The day the Oakland Raiders break thru
Back-to-back wins put the Raiders on path to future success!

(if you believe it, it will happen)

More to come . . .

[Madturk]

Bad comparison. Nap Kaufman was a nasty piece of work coming into the league. He'd churn his legs, dart around and work for extra yards. He was HARD to bring down, then he found Jesus and became a minister. After that, he was a pussycat. And yeah, a lot more like DMac, but still much more lateral.


I don't know for as strong as a guy he was purported to be (over 400 lb bench press IIRC) I'd see him brought down pretty easily at times, not as easily as DMac but similar IMO. IIRC, he used to slip a lot like DMac too.

[Point&Shoot]

I think it's difficult to draw comparisons between DMC and any semi-successful runningback(which should tell you all you really need to know).

I see him more in the Josh Cribbs mold...big threat, little production. At least in Cribbs case, he has that return gig to fall back on.

[TheMadStork]

I think it's difficult to draw comparisons between DMC and any semi-successful runningback(which should tell you all you really need to know).

I see him more in the Josh Cribbs mold...big threat, little production. At least in Cribbs case, he has that return gig to fall back on.

I know that Al doesn't like to have high draft picks running back kicks and punts, but it would seem like a way to get some return on investment out of McFadden. Otherwise, he's being paid a lot for next to nothing. And our return game could certainly use a shot in the arm.

[Rupert]

I don't know for as strong as a guy he was purported to be (over 400 lb bench press IIRC) I'd see him brought down pretty easily at times, not as easily as DMac but similar IMO. IIRC, he used to slip a lot like DMac too.

After he was ordained, he went down on first contact pretty regularly. Before, he fought pretty damned hard, but remember bench press doesn't increase your mass, and Nap was a small guy (5-9 185 - Maurice Jones-Drew is 5-8 205 quite a bit thicker than Kaufman).

[Crow]

If only Mike Mayock ran the team...

[Madturk]

If only Mike Mayock ran the team...

No shit, he didn't have Dmac rated nearly as high as the other draftniks did but at the time, seemed like the right pick to make.

[TheMadStork]

If only Mike Mayock ran the team...

On the other hand:

Bold 2007 Prediction

Kiper: A guy who I think could be defensive rookie of the year is [defensive end] Anthony Spencer of Purdue. He'll probably be a late first-round or early second-round pick.

Mayock: JaMarcus Russell's ceiling is as high as any quarterback I have seen coming out of college since John Elway.

[NIPS]

Mayock just looks like hes got all kinda stanky Halitosis with them rotten baby chicklets he's sporting

[TheMadStork]

Mayock just looks like hes got all kinda stanky Halitosis with them rotten baby chicklets he's sporting

Still better than Kiper's hair. That is one scary 'do.

[Rupert]

Still better than Kiper's hair. That is one scary 'do.

Does he put it on a styrofoam dome every night or does he have one of those golden mannequin heads from the disco era?

[Madturk]

On the other hand:

Bold 2007 Prediction

Kiper: A guy who I think could be defensive rookie of the year is [defensive end] Anthony Spencer of Purdue. He'll probably be a late first-round or early second-round pick.

Mayock: JaMarcus Russell's ceiling is as high as any quarterback I have seen coming out of college since John Elway.

No further questions your honor:p