Raider tidbits

[NIPS]

Dig Chucky

Candid Cam: Gruden can see Raiders atop West; meanwhile, vacancy atop Sharks
By Cam Inman
Bay Area News Group columnist
Posted: 09/01/2010 11:35:59 AM PDT

http://www.contracostatimes.com/raiders/ci_15962843?source=rss&nclick_check=1


Wednesday started innocently enough with former Raiders coach Jon Gruden tooting the Raiders' horn and ESPN colleague Ron Jaworski putting the onus on 49ers' Alex Smith for this season. Then along come the Sharks announcing Greg Jamison's departure atop their heirarchy.

Let's start with Gruden, because the NFL carries more weight around here than hockey, despite Jamison's impressive tenure. Gruden, promoting his third season on "Monday Night Football," offered up the following rationale on why the Raiders are poised to win the AFC West for the first time since 2002:

"The Raiders should be excited. I don't just say this being former a Raider myself, but I do like their defense," Gruden said on a conference call. "If you look at their front seven, I know all the years I was coaching, I'd love to have that group. Adding guys like (Kamerion) Wimbley, (John) Henderson, trading for Richard Seymour, (having) Tommy Kelly, getting (Richard) McClain in the first round. That's a good front seven. (Nnamdi Asomugha is) arguably one of the top corners in all of football. I like everything about their defense. And I think I should. These are talented football player.

Gruden, the Raiders' coach from 1998-2001, continued: "Jason Campbell, between he and Bruce Gradkowski, will do the thing they need to do win there with this defense -- protect the ball. They have maybe the best punter in history. And I'm not kidding you. His statistics

make Ray Guy look normal. Shane Lechler is an equalizer. Janikowksi can put points on the board.

"They're going to be outstanding in the kicking game, very good on defense. And if they can take care of the ball, run the ball and develop a couple of these young offensive linemen — and I've heard good things about some of their sleepers that they in camp -- I think they can win the division. I really do. I like the Raiders a lot."

[NIPS]

Cable doesn’t share the concern most of the outside world has with the Raiders’ offensive line.

“It’s never really been a good-and-bad thing. It’s been good and I wish it was better,” Cable said. “Consistency is probably the No. 1 issue to me. We’ve had some things where you say, `dang, we’re going to be real good. But we’ve got to continue to do it play after play. That’s the part that’s still missing a little bit in our offensive line — getting that every down consistency.

“Then I’m going to be very excited. And I think they’re close.”

http://www.ibabuzz.com/oaklandraider...nett-fracture/

[Raider Outlaw]

Normally I'd just say he's playing his Mr. Sunshine role that he's taken on since goint to MNF, but his analysis is spot on this time.

If we score 20 ppg with this schedule, we win 10 games. The defense I still feel will be really good despite the shit I saw last weekend.

[Deadbolt]

Yeah, despite all the doom and gloom lately, Hendo, Gallery, and Walker have all shown they can get it done. Veldheer looks like a goddman ox out there, just needs some seasoning.

[DonkeyKilla]

We will be better, i feel really confident about that. Will we be something special? I'll take a wait and see about that. My guess is that we'll probably give up 20 a game and need to score just over 20 to win.
Here are the games we SHOULD win:
Rams, Cardinals (debatable), KC twice,
Here are the games I think should have a 50/50 shot- Denver twice, Jags, Steelers
Here are games we could win but i would say the other team is favored: Titans, Texans, Chargers (twice) colts.

So here's how I think it will go. We'll lose one of the games we should win- 3 wins.
We'll win half the 50/50 games- 2 more wins
We'll win 2 of the 5 we should lose- 2 wins

I'm only getting 7 wins and i think i'm being kinda generous. How is anyone getting to 10 wins for us? I could say win all 4 we should win... add another to the 50/50 and split on the good team... i still get 9 wins.

[SoCalRaider]

Chris Johnson and Stephen Jackson....

That's gonna pretty much decide our season in my opinion.... If we can stop them and start out 2-0.... we're gonna be pretty good.... If we repeat what we did in the preseason against the run and start out 0-2.... :o

I guess we'll see how valuable Seymour is to our run defense.... when he's finally out there....

[TheNextStep]

I don't care what anybody says, I'd take Chucky back.

[DonkeyKilla]

I don't care what anybody says, I'd take Chucky back.

in a nanosecond.

[TheMadStork]

in a nanosecond.

I'll second that nanosecond...

[poptart]

At just age 47, I expect to see Gruden coaching again.

He's never burned the Raider bridge and often speaks very fondly of the Raiders and his time with the organization.

It'd be a real ballsy and quirky move on his part if he came back to be a Raider.
In a way, he seems like the kind of character who would try to pull something like that off.

I know that a lot of us like to ponder the concept.

Curly flames out with the team this year.
Gruden has the itch.
Al (if he's alive) swallows hard and makes it happen.

Gruden takes over a team with a lot of youth and gives it direction.

Greatness results.


;)

[TheNextStep]

I usually hate admitting that I'd take him back because I feel like that chick on "COPS" who watches, through her black eye with blood dripping into from the laceration on her forehead, as her man is thrown into the back of a squad car... and then starts screaming about how much she loves him once the cop pushes the door closed.








(it was intended in a light hearted way. If you think that it could be taken another way - a way that would offend you - don't take it that way.)

[Sleet]

I'll second that nanosecond...

Motion passed.

[Sleet]

I'm guessing 4 weeks.

Evening AFC West news and notes
September, 1, 2010 Sep 18:25PM ET
By Bill Williamson

I talked to ESPN medical analyst Stephania Bell about Michael Bush’s left thumb, which he broke during a preseason game against San Francisco on Saturday. Bell says Bush will likely be out anywhere from two to six weeks. That means Bush could still return in time for the season opener against Tennessee on Sept. 12.

The team has said Bush could potentially play in the game. Bell said if Bush plays in the opener, he likely won’t be at full strength by the sound of his injury.

Meanwhile, Oakland coach and current ESPN Monday Night Football analyst Jon Gruden is a believer in the Raiders. He likes the team’s front seven on defensive and he believes the team could make a playoff push.

[Sleet]

McD says:

Wednesday September 1, 2010 12:08

Q. Jerry who has surprised you/impressed you the most with their play up to this point? Any disappointments?

A. 12:09 jerrymac: Wimbley is better than I expected. Stanford Routt and Tommy Kelly have performed better in the preseason games than they did in camp. Disappointments would be Schilens getting injured again, continued inconsistency of JLH. I also thought DHB would be better given the way he looked in offseason workouts. He's better, but hardly looking like a No. 7 overall pick.

[007]

I'd rather have Bush running with the ball in his right hand only and left hand in a cast over DMC being the primary guy...

[Sleet]

Jerry doesn't expect more blitzing this year (damn it).

Wednesday September 1, 2010 1:01

Q. Does Marshall look like he's going to be dialing up the average number of blitzes per Raider season or a lot more this year?

A. 1:02 jerrymac: I don't know that they'll do more of them _ the key is being better when they do it. There are teams that don't blitz all that much but when they get to the quarterback or make a big play, it makes it seem like they do. That's the category the Raiders would be in.

[Sleet]

What we got by adding Hue and deleting JR:

Wednesday September 1, 2010 1:02

Q. Should we be reading too much into the increased scoring in the preseason? is the scheme and execution that much better?

A. 1:03 jerrymac: the Raiders threw 30 passes against the 49ers, had 20 completions, and there wre at least five or six balls that hit receivers in the hands that weren't caught (a couple were tough chances). Compare that with the amount of times over the past few years you've seen passes hit the ground, sail out of bounds and not go anywhere near an intended receiver. Much better execution, yes.

[Sleet]

Head's up Raider fan:

Wednesday September 1, 2010 1:10 VA R8RGRRL

Q. What do you make of Rolando McClain's reported aloofness? Rookie nerves? Or just not a "people person"?

A. 1:13 jerrymac: Could be a little of both. Haven't been around him enough to offer an opinion. I will say that if he doesn't play well, it could be an ugly year for him. It probably shouldn't be this way, but it always goes easier for someone if they're at least polite and agreeable. McClain gives off the vibe (and sometimes to fans, not just media) that you're a piece of dirt on his shoe.

Boy, I sure hope this kid pans out. I don't want to see this turn ugly, quick.

[celticraider]

I usually hate admitting that I'd take him back because I feel like that chick on "COPS" who watches, through her black eye with blood dripping into from the laceration on her forehead, as her man is thrown into the back of a squad car... and then starts screaming about how much she loves him once the cop pushes the door closed.








(it was intended in a light hearted way. If you think that it could be taken another way - a way that would offend you - don't take it that way.)

I hope he dies in a fire.

[SoCalRaider]

Head's up Raider fan:

Wednesday September 1, 2010 1:10 VA R8RGRRL

Q. What do you make of Rolando McClain's reported aloofness? Rookie nerves? Or just not a "people person"?

A. 1:13 jerrymac: Could be a little of both. Haven't been around him enough to offer an opinion. I will say that if he doesn't play well, it could be an ugly year for him. It probably shouldn't be this way, but it always goes easier for someone if they're at least polite and agreeable. McClain gives off the vibe (and sometimes to fans, not just media) that you're a piece of dirt on his shoe.

Boy, I sure hope this kid pans out. I don't want to see this turn ugly, quick.
That's damn interesting....

I actually think both McClain and Campbell aren't worth a damn shit right now... I hope they prove me wrong.... but neither deserves to be starting..... they're both on scholarship as far as I'm concerned....

[poptart]

McClain gives off the vibe (and sometimes to fans, not just media) that you're a piece of dirt on his shoe.


It's a disappointing take to read.

I'll reserve any judgement on McClain until he plays some regular season ball for us.

But I WILL say that, shit, the kid IS literally a kid - just turned 21.

Maybe some social immaturity?


We've all got high hopes for McClain and Houston, but would do well to keep very much in mind that they are rookies.

[Raider Outlaw]

I doubt he even coaches again. I think he wants to be the next Madden if he can, which is why he plays up the Raiders so much. Like I said after he'd been in Tampa for 5 years, he'll always be identified more with his time in Oakland for winning the Super Bowl there.

Also, sequels never end well. I think Gruden's content with being a Raider legend without all the pressure? Why ruin that?


At just age 47, I expect to see Gruden coaching again.

He's never burned the Raider bridge and often speaks very fondly of the Raiders and his time with the organization.

It'd be a real ballsy and quirky move on his part if he came back to be a Raider.
In a way, he seems like the kind of character who would try to pull something like that off.

I know that a lot of us like to ponder the concept.

Curly flames out with the team this year.
Gruden has the itch.
Al (if he's alive) swallows hard and makes it happen.

Gruden takes over a team with a lot of youth and gives it direction.

Greatness results.


;)

[Raider Outlaw]

He seems to be very intense, which is a good thing for me. We've had enough chummy clowns come through this organization.

Also, the media and fans seem to forget this guy had some kind of serious shit going on with his family just a couple of weeks ago. Who knows what's on his mind.




Head's up Raider fan:

Wednesday September 1, 2010 1:10 VA R8RGRRL

Q. What do you make of Rolando McClain's reported aloofness? Rookie nerves? Or just not a "people person"?

A. 1:13 jerrymac: Could be a little of both. Haven't been around him enough to offer an opinion. I will say that if he doesn't play well, it could be an ugly year for him. It probably shouldn't be this way, but it always goes easier for someone if they're at least polite and agreeable. McClain gives off the vibe (and sometimes to fans, not just media) that you're a piece of dirt on his shoe.

Boy, I sure hope this kid pans out. I don't want to see this turn ugly, quick.

[BigTron]

Q. What do you make of Rolando McClain's reported aloofness? Rookie nerves? Or just not a "people person"?

A. 1:13 jerrymac: Could be a little of both. Haven't been around him enough to offer an opinion. I will say that if he doesn't play well, it could be an ugly year for him. It probably shouldn't be this way, but it always goes easier for someone if they're at least polite and agreeable. McClain gives off the vibe (and sometimes to fans, not just media) that you're a piece of dirt on his shoe.

He says he has not been around him enough to offer his opinion... then says something very strong after haha. Strange comment.

I agree with what was said earlier about him having some family issues. He also is being stuck in at MLB game 1 with CJ2K lookling him in the eye and being asked to be the savior of this run D. And make all the calls and know the defense. The kid is most likely shitting bricks and not worried about stupid questions and fan BS right now. At least i hope he isnt...

[poptart]

I doubt he even coaches again. I think he wants to be the next Madden if he can, which is why he plays up the Raiders so much. Like I said after he'd been in Tampa for 5 years, he'll always be identified more with his time in Oakland for winning the Super Bowl there.

Also, sequels never end well. I think Gruden's content with being a Raider legend without all the pressure? Why ruin that?

It's a logical point of view.

Why leave MNF (and especially when you're doing a good job and are in no danger of losing the gig) to go back into the pressure cooker grind of being an NFL head coach?
And also especially when you've won a Super Bowl and will forever have the label of being a Super Bowl Champion Coach.

Is there anything really that needs to be proven?

I guess it just depends on the individual and what they want in their life.

Some guys are just wired to be competitors in the arena.
They live for it, they love it, and noting beats the feeling.

I can't pretend to know what Gruden really wants, but shit, the guy is only 47 and doesn't (to my knowledge) have any health issues - as Madden had.


When he left, I took the position of hatred toward him because he was no longer one of us.

But my view of him has changed over time - for a few reasons.

1. He never bad mouthed us, or Al, and instead has spoken in glowing terms of his time in Oakland, the fans, Al, and the opportunity he was given. And he also went out of his way not to gloat when he kicked Al in the nuts in the Super Bowl.

2. He's a genuinely likeable guy.

3. I heard the story (whether it is accurate or not - I can't be sure) that Gruden was ready to sign long term in Oakland, but when he came for the meeting with Al, the contract had been altered and some things did not sit right from Jon's point of view.
So it didn't get done.

I don't expect him to come back and be a Raider again, I really don't.

But I don't rule it completely out, either.

[Raider Outlaw]

I was never mad at him but more disappointed that they couldn't work things out.

He's the only outsider that we've brought into the organization that "got it" from day one. That's as big a part of the job as anything when you're hired by Al Davis.

Also, the reason you cite of the contract change is the reason I don't think he'd ever be back, even if he did coach again.

The problem, as McDonald has put it many times, is that he wanted final say of the 53 man roster, nothing more nothing less. If he wouldn't do it then, Al's never going to give up that control. Gruden was even cool with him running the draft as usual.

The only way I can see a Raider redux is if the next ownership group brought him back 15 years down the line (assuming Al's still not alive, lol) similar to Gibbs by Snyder in DC.

I thought Gruden would only take that EAgle job because he knows those guys so well and Lurie has always lamented letting him walk to Oakland instead of firing Ray Rhodes first. However, that was before they traded McNabb.

I think he loves coaching but he doesn't like developing quarterbacks, as there were numerous reports of his frustrations with Chris Sims in Tampa. Furthermore, I think he has no stomach for the personnel side of the job at all after Tampa.

Therefore, I think he'd have to be with guys that he really trusts to get it done on that end. He's seen that he's not really good at it when he picked the players in Tampa with Bruce Allen negotiating.


It's a logical point of view.

Why leave MNF (and especially when you're doing a good job and are in no danger of losing the gig) to go back into the pressure cooker grind of being an NFL head coach?
And also especially when you've won a Super Bowl and will forever have the label of being a Super Bowl Champion Coach.

Is there anything really that needs to be proven?

I guess it just depends on the individual and what they want in their life.

Some guys are just wired to be competitors in the arena.
They live for it, they love it, and noting beats the feeling.

I can't pretend to know what Gruden really wants, but shit, the guy is only 47 and doesn't (to my knowledge) have any health issues - as Madden had.


When he left, I took the position of hatred toward him because he was no longer one of us.

But my view of him has changed over time - for a few reasons.

1. He never bad mouthed us, or Al, and instead has spoken in glowing terms of his time in Oakland, the fans, Al, and the opportunity he was given. And he also went out of his way not to gloat when he kicked Al in the nuts in the Super Bowl.

2. He's a genuinely likeable guy.

3. I heard the story (whether it is accurate or not - I can't be sure) that Gruden was ready to sign long term in Oakland, but when he came for the meeting with Al, the contract had been altered and some things did not sit right from Jon's point of view.
So it didn't get done.

I don't expect him to come back and be a Raider again, I really don't.

But I don't rule it completely out, either.

[jatfly]

I DON'T CARE WHAT VIBE MCCLAIN GIVES....IF the Mother can Play is all I care about Stop the Run make tackles and be a arrogant prick as long as we win.........Works for me!

[Birdwell]

How very ironic to hear Chuckie talking up the Raider D and wishing he had those guys when he coached. Well, when your high draft picks are offensive players and your big FA signings are offensive players, how exactly were you going to get a good D?

The D Chuckie beat in the SB is the D he built -- old and slow. It was premised on the O scoring so much that they only had to defend the pass, not pass/run. Oops.

[RaiderDestiny]

I don't care what anybody says, I'd take Chucky back.

My problem with this is that for all the hype, Chucky absolutely sucks at developing players. Especially QB's. It reminds me of Curly and his "specialty" with the Oline. He gets the most out of his team, but his act wears thin quickly. Just look at TB. He took a winner and turned it back into what it was before Dungy got there in a few short years. I'd think long and hard about allowing him back.

[celticraider]

Papa previews the upcoming season.

http://khtk.cbslocal.com/2010/09/03/raiders-broadcaster-greg-papa-on-sportsline/#more-4346

Jim Plunkett on Jason Campbell and the Raiders prospects this season.

http://khtk.cbslocal.com/2010/09/02/super-bowl-champ-jim-plunkett-on-the-rise-guys/#more-4307

JMac Interview on KNBR

http://www.knbr.com/portals/3/podcasts/damonbruce/0902-jerry-mcdonald.mp3

[celticraider]

Raider Ressurection, season preview from comcast sportsnet

Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7HePecOf9I&feature=player_embedded

Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkqjveKjHoE&feature=player_embedded

Part 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g2jUdH-dbc&feature=player_embedded

[Sleet]

McD's still down on McClain:

Thursday September 2, 2010 9:03 joltnjoey

jerrymac: Rolando McClain doesn't blow off TV interview.

Q. 9:03 [Comment From joltnjoeyjoltnjoey: ]
McClain is doing an interview....maybe he just hates you Jerry

A. 9:03 jerrymac: He can join the club. Except he also hates everyone else in the media for the last two weeks and also hates the fans at training camp, because he almost never signed autographs.

[Postmaster]

McD's still down on McClain:

Thursday September 2, 2010 9:03 joltnjoey

jerrymac: Rolando McClain doesn't blow off TV interview.

Q. 9:03 [Comment From joltnjoeyjoltnjoey: ]
McClain is doing an interview....maybe he just hates you Jerry

A. 9:03 jerrymac: He can join the club. Except he also hates everyone else in the media for the last two weeks and also hates the fans at training camp, because he almost never signed autographs.

So fucking what. He isn't paid to do interviews or sign autographs.

[DonkeyKilla]

i could care less too.

[gannoncannon]

Anyone ever consider that he doesn't want to sign a bunch of autographs because he doesn't want to let it go to his head? Maybe he's actually being smart, focusing on getting good before he soaks in the high-life.

[Postmaster]

Anyone ever consider that he doesn't want to sign a bunch of autographs because he doesn't want to let it go to his head? Maybe he's actually being smart, focusing on getting good before he soaks in the high-life.

Or maybe he is just a mean son of a bitch. Either way I could give a rat's ass as long as he is doing what he is paid to do.

[gannoncannon]

Exactly. So what if he doesn't sign autographs.

Cry me a river.

[007]

I'm on the opposite side here.

I hope he hates wasting time doing interviews.

This isnt Jamarcus out partying in Vegas. He's just a guy who likes football and seems to be bothered by the rest of the crap.

I like that.

[gannoncannon]

When I worked for the Raiders, Al Davis used to call me for information. Whenever I would give him something that might seem too obvious, he would always say, (and not politely), "I could have gotten that in the paper." The benefit of those conversations has always forced me to try and think outside the box, not fall for the obvious, and look deep below the surface for hidden clues.

link (http://www.nfl.com/kickoff/story/09000d5d81a39767/article/packers-chargers-fit-profile-of-super-bowl-champions?module=HP_cp2)

:pound:

[Sleet]

Come on guys; a dick's a dick. If he swings a big Raider dick, great. If he doesn't, he's just a dick.

Hopefully, he learns something from Sey and Aso about being a professional.

Speaking of Sey, McD said this:

Thursday September 2, 2010 9:07 easton56

[Comment From easton56easton56: ]
Q. sounds like seymour is saying "I want a long term deal"

A. 9:08 jerrymac: Sounds like Raiders are saying, `Play like you're worth one.'

[Postmaster]

Come on guys; a dick's a dick. If he swings a big Raider dick, great. If he doesn't, he's just a dick.

I want my MLB to be a miserable SOB.

Would you rather he was tweeting about sushi?

[007]

Amen, brother.

Enough with the pussy ass, Prison Break tweeting softies.

Rolando hates the press. So what. He probably hates the opposing team too.

We need more players with that demeanor.

Ray Lewis stabs fools. Rey Maualuga will drink a forty and then punch your girlfriend. Pat Willis would eat your babies.

[Sleet]

McD's unsolicited take on Barnes during the Seattle game (a little Al Haynesworth response):

jerrymac: Khalif Barnes has reluctantly agreed to play guard and suddenly tonight he's at LT the entire game. Get the impression they're telling him, `You want to play left tackle, then go play it . . . all night long.''

Followed by Comment From Ron JensenRon Jensen:

Q. fyi: Albert Haynesworth is still on the field for Washington at the two minute warning of the 4th quarter...lol

A. jerrymac: Albert Haynesworth and Khalif Barnes, separated at birth.

Too bad Big Al's got game and Barnes just attitude.

[Sleet]

I want my MLB to be a miserable SOB.

Would you rather he was tweeting about sushi?

For a MLB, being a dick to the press > tweeting about sushi, no doubt. :pound:

But, no free pass until he performs. Earn it.

[Postmaster]

Ray Lewis stabs fools. Rey Maualuga will drink a forty and then punch your girlfriend. Pat Willis would eat your babies.

Dick Butkis once hit a guy so hard his helmet went flying 20 ft in the air..............with his head still in it.

True story.

[hawaiianboy]

I get the impression that McClain is on the shy side... Plus the kid is only 20 years old with a major southern drawl that stands out a lot more where he is now located... Plus he caught all kind of shit from the media for missing media day before the championship game when he was sick... Plus the media blew up that Crohn's disease stuff and he has already spent way too much time having to talk about his ass and about having to get a restraining order against his mom growing up because the crazy ass bitch tried to stab him...

He's got a lot of reasons to be gun shy with the media but I'm sure he'll be everyone's facebook friend before long...

[Madturk]

He's got a lot of reasons to be gun shy with the media but I'm sure he'll be everyone's facebook friend before long...

Speaking of which, Louis Murphy hasn't added me yet, wtf?:p

[TheMadStork]

Speaking of which, Louis Murphy hasn't added me yet, wtf?:p

Show him your avatar. That should help.

[RaiderRobert]

Show him your avatar. That should help.

Don't do it man. He will end up like me. So distracted, I can't get shit done. I have to log in 50 times a day just to see her. I've lost my girl, my job, my house...

[NIPS]

Jaws and Gruden given Raiders tongue

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/16656/video-afc-west-more-or-less

[Langlier]

Jaws and Gruden given Raiders tongue

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/16656/video-afc-west-more-or-less

ahh Gru. I think he wants to be back with us. Just listen to how his demeanor changes when he talks about us. It's like he's a little less Gruden and a bit more Chucky every time we are brought up

[poptart]

's what I'm sayin'.

He identifies with the Raiders and in his heart of hearts, he wants to be a Raider, imo.

It may never happen that the practicalities of his life and the "life" of the organization (Al, at this point) can match - but I DO think he'd like to, in a perfect world, coach the Raiders once again.

[Postmaster]

's what I'm sayin'.

He identifies with the Raiders and in his heart of hearts, he wants to be a Raider, imo.

It may never happen that the practicalities of his life and the "life" of the organization (Al, at this point) can match - but I DO think he'd like to, in a perfect world, coach the Raiders once again.

Why in the world would he want to coach this team?

We just cut J-Rich, put Stevie Brown on the PS, and kept 10 o-lineman on the final roster.

We are a mess.

:bugeye:

[Sleet]

Why in the world would he want to coach this team?

We just cut J-Rich, put Stevie Brown on the PS, and kept 10 o-lineman on the final roster.

We are a mess.

:bugeye:

:pound:

No worries, PM. Funny is funny.

Wrong, but still funny.

[Sleet]

PFT continues to give the Raiders love:

PFT's Week Zero Power Rankings
Posted by Mike Florio on September 7, 2010 8:05 AM ET

With two full days to go until the 2010 season gets rolling, we decided that we should rank the 32 franchises based on where they are right now.

This isn't a prediction as to where the teams will finish (we put those in our PFT Season Preview magazine, which went to print way back in early June, so there's our bum-ankle-style excuse for failure), but a snapshot as to where they are right now.

We'll update the list every Tuesday, and we'll allow you to complain as much as you want about whether and to what extent our rankings indicate that we "hate" your favorite team and/or that we "love" one of the many teams you hate.

1. New Orleans Saints: With the Jets, Vikings, Cowboys, and Packers getting all of the preseason attention, the defending champions have been largely ignored. And they surely like it that way.

2. Indianapolis Colts: Until someone in the AFC can knock the Colts off, they'll continue to be at the top of the conference.

3. Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens may be the team to knock off the Colts.

4. Minnesota Vikings: If Brett Favre can stay healthy, this team will be right back in the thick of things come January. Just in time for the season to implode in spectacular fashion.

5. Dallas Cowboys: A glaring weakness at left tackle ultimately could keep the Cowboys from playing in the Super Bowl they'll host.

6. New York Jets: The Jets get credit for having a very good team, but all that talk doesn't translate to wins. If anything, it makes getting them even harder.

7. Green Bay Packers: The trendy pick to win the Super Bowl has to prove that it can overcome a still-suspect offensive line and a defense that will be without Al Harris for at least six weeks.

8. New England Patriots: The Pats could quickly plummet if they can't overcome a rash of injuries.

9. San Diego Chargers: They've got an easy path back to the postseason. Whether they can do a better job once they get there remains to be seen.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers: If safety Troy Polamalu can stay healthy, the Steelers can climb to the very top of this ladder.

11. Cincinnati Bengals: The recent hype from the arrival of T.O. has obscured the reality that this team faded badly down the stretch last year.

12. Miami Dolphins: The arrival of Brandon Marshall could make a huge difference, if Chad Henne can take advantage of his presence.

13. Houston Texans: The Texans have the horses to get to the postseason, but they need to overcome the suspension of Brian Cushing, and the lack of a high-end threat in the running game.

14. New York Giants: The heat is on coach Tom Coughlin to reclaim some of the attention from the team with which the Giants share a stadium.

15. Atlanta Falcons: Don't be shocked if the Falcons finish a lot higher than this.

16. Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles land in the middle of the pack until their new quarterback proves that he can get it done.

17. Tennessee Titans: It's time for Vince Young to step up, once and for all.

18. Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags could be competitive if they were in any other division than the AFC South.

19. Washington Redskins: Move the 'Skins to the NFC West, and they'd be the favorites to win the division.

20. San Francisco 49ers: With a soft schedule, the Niners could be the worst team in league history to earn a bye week in the postseason.

21. Denver Broncos: Tebow-fueled optimism notwithstanding, this team went 2-8 over the last 10 games of the 2009 season.

22. Carolina Panthers: A decent defense and a bad offense means that John Fox will be working for someone else in 2011.

23. Chicago Bears: A full 25 years after the Bears lost only one game, there's an outside chance that they'll win only one game.

24. Arizona Cardinals: It's only a matter of time before Larry Fitzgerald tries to finagle a trade.

25. Kansas City Chiefs: Don't look now, but the Chiefs could be climbing into contention.

26. Seattle Seahawks: If the Seahawks get rid of any more players who were on the roster in 2009, they'll potentially qualify as an expansion franchise.

27. Cleveland Browns: If Jake Delhomme can continue to play in the regular season like he did in the preseason, the Browns could threaten the Bengals for third place in the division.

28. Oakland Raiders: The decision to dump JaMarcus Russell should prompt the NFL to officially move the team's record to 1-0.

29. Detroit Lions: The Lions' first-round pick has sparked more buzz in one preseason than anyone on the franchise has generated in 11 regular seasons.

30. St. Louis Rams: Rookie quarterback Sam Bradford could eat up opposing defenses, as long as his offensive line can keep him from eating through a straw.

31. Buffalo Bills: C.J. Spiller will soon learn how Barry Sanders felt for most of his time in Detroit.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: It may be a good thing that this team's home games won't be televised in Tampa.

[DonkeyKilla]

there are so many things wrong with that list i don't know where to start... but I don't see how Cleveland, Seattle, KC, Bears, Panthers, or Cardinals could be listed over us. Skins and Jags over niners? i don't think so...

[Madturk]

That list is a joke:pound: I really don't see why all the love for KC.

[RaiderJF]

Ouch... ranked 28th? That seems a little harsh. Somewhere between 18th and 24th would seem a little more realistic. Niners should be ~ 12 - 15.

[Sleet]

Florio is and panders to Raider haters.

[Sleet]

Top 8 Week 1 games of interest:

1. 1:00 pm Oakland Raiders v. Tennessee Titans CBS 90 °F
2. 8:30 pm Minnesota Vikings v. New Orleans Saints NBC 91 °F
3. 7:00 pm Baltimore Ravens v. New York Jets ESPN
4. 1:00 pm Indianapolis Colts v. Houston Texans CBS 92 °F
5. 1:00 pm Cincinnati Bengals v. New England Patriots CBS 72 °F
6. 4:15 pm Arizona Cardinals v. St. Louis Rams FOX 81 °F
7. 1:00 pm Denver Broncos v. Jacksonville Jaguars CBS 89 °F
8. 10:15 pm San Diego Chargers v. Kansas City Chiefs ESPN 80 °F

[Madturk]

I read somewhere where it was supposed to be 85 overcast and possible rain.

[Diceq]

ahh Gru. I think he wants to be back with us. Just listen to how his demeanor changes when he talks about us. It's like he's a little less Gruden and a bit more Chucky every time we are brought up

I totally agree with you. I think he's is picking us to have a winning season...because he is saying to Al that if he was the coach ...they would have a winning season.

I would take him back in a blink and I like Cable a lot.

He had a vision of what he wanted, got lucky with Gannon and made the most of it. He is a good coach

[Man In Black]

I'll just leave this here.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/13897416/nfl-power-rankings-start-of-a-silverblack-revival

Pete Prisco. No fuggin way.

[Postmaster]

I'll just leave this here.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/13897416/nfl-power-rankings-start-of-a-silverblack-revival

Pete Prisco. No fuggin way.

NFL Power Rankings: Start of a silver-black revival?
By Pete Prisco

We know there will be several new playoff teams in the NFL in 2010. That's the way of the league. There have been five new ones in each of the past 14 seasons.

Picking the new ones out is the tough part.

In years past, I've always tried to hit on a few. I was on the Arizona Cardinals a few years ago, so when they made the Super Bowl, even though I didn't go that far, it made me look good.

In 2009, I picked the Cincinnati Bengals to win the AFC North, leading to a slew of nasty words from Pittsburgh. The Bengals won the division by sweeping all six of their division games, again making me look good.

That isn't to say I get them all right. You all know better, judging by how much you sear me daily in your comments and e-mails.

So who is this season's team to watch?

Dare I say the Oakland Raiders? OK, so you think I'm nuttier than Al Davis right now. But I really believe the Raiders can make a playoff push.

The addition of Jason Campbell is bigger for this team than JaMarcus Russell's stomach was for his uniform. Campbell had to deal with constant change in Washington and never got a chance to show what he can really do. Now that he's with underrated offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, look for Campbell to excel.

There is talent at a lot of other spots. Scan the roster. The Raiders have one of the best cover corners in Nnamdi Asomugha, two very good defensive linemen in Richard Seymour and rejuvenated Tommy Kelly and unsung rising players like safety Tyvon Branch and pass rusher Matt Shaughnessy.

The offense has tight end Zach Miller and running backs Michael Bush and Darren McFadden -- watch them this season -- to go with Campbell. If the offensive line, which will start a rookie at center in Jared Veldheer, can come together, the Raiders might be really good.

I'm still not sure about coach Tom Cable, but the players seem to respond to him. Is he a great X's and O's guy? We don't know, but if his assistants are good -- Jackson is for sure -- it doesn't really matter.

The Raiders are higher in my first batch of CBS Sports.com Power Rankings than most would expect, checking in at No. 17. That's because I really do think they have a chance to be a playoff team, but I can't really start them any higher for now.

And, no, I am not wearing a white sweatsuit as I write this.

As for the top of the rankings, the Indianapolis Colts will open in the No. 1 spot, even though they were the Super loser. Hey, Vegas thinks they're the best team. Why wouldn't I?

The rest of the 10 is filled with familiar teams, although some, like the Atlanta Falcons, might be higher than you would expect.

If you're shocked that the New York Jets aren't in the top 10, then you haven't been paying attention to me all summer. The Jets are more overhyped than Lady Gaga.

Yes, coach Rex Ryan and his attitude are fun. And they should be good on defense. I just don't think Mark Sanchez is ready to take the next step. Even with Darrelle Revis signed to a long-term deal, it won't matter.

So let me get this straight. I like the Raiders and Jason Campbell but not the Jets and Mark Sanchez. For now, I have the Jets ahead of the Raiders, but by season's end, that won't be the case.

So anybody know where I can get sized up for a white sweat suit?

[Man In Black]

Also, "Don't laugh. I meant what I said. I think this team is much improved. They will push for a playoff berth. Really." For those who don't like to click links.

[CrossBones]

You want to watch the games? Move to Sacramento...


Raiders’ home TV market could get shut out

By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 at 8:52 am in Oakland Raiders.

Preseason stats aren’t worth a whole lot, unless you think Michael Bennett (54 carries, 236 yards) is going to lead the Raiders in rushing or Bruce Gradkowski will finish with an NFL record 125.9 quarterback rating.

One figure was an eye opener.

The attendance for the Seattle game in Week 4 was listed as 23,957. It wasn’t in the stat books distributed following the game, but showed up in the final preseason stats.

There weren’t that many people in the park, but that’s hardly the point. The Raiders announce “tickets issued,” which means tickets that were actually bought and paid for. They don’t count butts in the seats.

So the 23,957 is roughly the Raiders’ season ticket base.

Ouch.

Preseason games are included in a season ticket package. You want the eight regular season games, then you pony up for the preseason games as well. At full price. It’s a great scam, but we’ll drop that topic for the time being.

Since few people in their right mind would buy a full-price ticket to a preseason game on its own merit, the attendance total for August games closely mirrors that of the season-ticket base.

I double-checked the attendance figure for the Seahawks game and was told it was correct. There were no typos or inverted numbers.

And it’s worth noting the Raiders have partial-season ticket plans available which don’t include the preseason, but I’m told that the sale of those will have a hard time preventing potential blackouts.

After seven consecutive seasons of 11 or more losses, an on-going NFL record, you can’t fault fans for taking a “show me” approach to purchasing tickets.

But the figure is alarming after what was widely considered the most positive offseason in the last decade. There was a change in quarterbacks, a draft which received mostly rave reviews and little or no drama of the kind that seems to follow the Raiders around in terms of bad publicity.

With a season opener on Sept. 19 against the thoroughly unappealing Rams and not in prime time, you can probably count on Week 1 failing to sell out in advance of the 72-hour deadline for local television.

The last three home openers have been televised, but all have been on Monday night against AFC West opponents. Last year’s opener against San Diego was televised and followed by seven consecutive blackouts. The last time the Raiders opened on Sunday at home against an NFC team, they were blacked out in Lane Kiffin’s debut against the Detroit Lions.

Oakland has been televised only 44 times in 120 regular-season home games since returning to Oakland in 1995, and there’s a chance they’ll be 44-for-128 when the season ends.

Even if the Raiders offseason success translates in the won-loss column the low season ticket base will make it difficult to make up the difference. It would be hard to envision more excitement in the Coliseum than the regular-season finale of 2000, with the Raiders playing for home field advantage in the playoffs under Jon Gruden. They beat the Carolina Panthers 52-9 on Christmas Eve and were blacked out locally.

Earlier that season, the Raiders returned home with a 10-2 record to face the Atlanta Falcons, won 41-14, and were blacked out locally.

The economy was much better in 2000 than it is in 2010.

A couple of points should be made:

– The Raiders case may be extreme, but they’re hardly alone, as reported by USA Today.

Even teams that made the playoffs such as Arizona, Cincinnati and San Diego are bracing for blackouts.

– Tickets and parking are expensive, and with the advent of HD television and DirecTV, watching games at home has never been a better option. If you’re talking sinking your money into nose bleed seats or getting a front row seat in your own living room, then tailgating with friends in the comfort of your own home is appealing.

– Without getting too deep into the socioeconomic aspect, walk through the parking lot at any Raiders game and you’ll find what is probably the most diverse fan base in the NFL. You see it in the faces of the fans as well as the delicious foods on the barbecues. It’s probably the best smelling parking lot in the NFL. Unemployment and a bad economy hits fans of color the hardest.

Privately, the Raiders realize that even with a return to .500 and beyond, they’ll probably do no better than one or two games on television, and the real possibility exists for a shutout.

[Madturk]

Same problem happening here in Tampa. I suspect a majority of the Bucs games will be blacked out. Won't hurt my feelings

Sucks for you losers in the Bay Area, just give me an internet feed:p

[NIPS]

Raiders are on the road on sunday

They'll sellout agaisnt the Rams

[system7]

^^ I live in Sacramento and blackouts apply here too. :mad:

[Raidervinny]

[b]You want to watch the games? Move to Sacramento...

Nope...Sacramento is affected by the blackouts as well.

[Sleet]

Nope...Sacramento is affected by the blackouts as well.

Which is just plain stupid. A conspiracy I tell 'ya.

[system7]

Nope...Sacramento is affected by the blackouts as well.

yup...closest place that I know doesn't get blacked out is Chico, which is 90 miles north of Sac. :shakehead:

[system7]

Which is just plain stupid. A conspiracy I tell 'ya.

NFL rules say that game will be blacked out within the 75 mile radius of the stadium. Although Sacramento is well out of that 75 mile radius, the broadcast signal could still reach areas within that 75 mile radius so game gets blacked out for everybody! :mad:

[DonkeyKilla]

it's pretty weak we get blacked out here in Sac. i get the games with the ticket, but only online- they black out the televised game.

[CrossBones]

^^ I live in Sacramento and blackouts apply here too. :mad:

Nope...Sacramento is affected by the blackouts as well.Well that's bullshit. JohnQ is pissed as we speak.

Maybe try taking a ride up to Redding. :pound:

[RaiderRobert]

I heart LA...

Until that motherfucking Charger bullshit happens again...

[doug7dust]

Fresno/merced doesn't get blacked out

[CrossBones]

Fresno/merced doesn't get blacked outOh great...two garden spots! Meet you at the truck stop bro! :lmao:

[Sabers]

That's damn interesting....

I actually think both McClain and Campbell aren't worth a damn shit right now... I hope they prove me wrong.... but neither deserves to be starting..... they're both on scholarship as far as I'm concerned....

How can they both be on scholarship if they both just got here?

G.

[Raidermania12]

How can they both be on scholarship if they both just got here?

G.
Because Socal Patriot picks favorites and guys he hates super early, then goes out of his way to bash them or promote them depending on which premature opinion he had about them. Alot of fans(even the fair-weather ones) do that so just got move on and let them be prematurely down on players. But yea the scholarship line doesnt fit, and I don't know where he plans to go with this at such an early stage.

[Postmaster]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/nfl/09/06/2010.predictions.2/index.html

Tom Cable - COY Bitches.

[TheMadStork]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/nfl/09/06/2010.predictions.2/index.html

Tom Cable - COY Bitches.

Who the hell is Dominic Bonvissuto and has he ever watched an NFL game? The Chiefs to win the AFC West???

:pound:

[scootertramp]

^^ I live in Sacramento and blackouts apply here too. :mad:


Tell me about it! I live in Georgetown but I'm considered Sac. 50 "F"n miles away! I fought the networks over this with DirecTV years ago. The only network that gave a waiver was FOX. I get FOX from NY. Unfortunately, Raiders play on CBS!

[scootertramp]

That list is a joke:pound: I really don't see why all the love for KC.


Cause they have the great Romeo Crennel & Charlie Weis! what a joke!

[scootertramp]

That's damn interesting....

I actually think both McClain and Campbell aren't worth a damn shit right now... I hope they prove me wrong.... but neither deserves to be starting..... they're both on scholarship as far as I'm concerned....

really? cause McClain led the team in tackles during the preseason! And most of them were for little or no gain! Yaa he sucks! Bust already I'm sure!

[scootertramp]

yup...closest place that I know doesn't get blacked out is Chico, which is 90 miles north of Sac. :shakehead:

South Lake Tahoe gets the games outta Reno too.

[Sleet]

Likely an NFL first for a non-expansion team.

Raiders’ rookies right in the middle
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer

Saturday, September 11th, 2010 at 9:40 pm in Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders will have two rookies right in the middle of things literally and another who could be there figuratively when they visit the Tennessee Titans Sunday at LP Stadium.

Each of the first three draft picks will start _ middle linebacker Rolando McClain (first round, No. 8 overall), left defensive end Lamarr Houston (second round, No. 44 overall) and center Jared Veldheer (third round, No. 69 overall).

Veldheer is the only starter, and considering his background, may have the biggest challenge.

At 6-foot-8 and listed at 315 pounds, Veldheer is already the tallest starting center in NFL history until a stats services unearths a Cro-Magnon -7-footer. He’s had little experience _ the equivalent of a preseason game at most _ yet the Raiders were sure enough of his skill set to sit him out of the preseason finale against Seattle.

He’s been doing the rookie thing since learning of his starting position, politely saying as little as possible _ even to the point where he declined to specify how much center he played in college.

Which, by the way, would be zero.

Nate Schreffler, his college coach at Division II Hillsdale, said Veldheer didn’t play center for the Chargers but most of the film he’d seen during recruiting had him over the ball.

“The center thing was a little bit of a curve ball, but I’m not surprised he can handle it,” Schreffler said when contacted by phone this week. “he;’s just an athletic, competitive kid, and if you ask him to do something, he’ll get it done.. He was a real flexible guy coming out of high school, but didn’t look too tall at his pad level, so I don’t think blocking shorter guys would be an issue.”

That echoes what coach Tom Cable has saying from the start _ that Veldheer may be tall, but he’s built closer to the ground than than most and that the height isn’t necessarily a negative.

Schreffler raved about Veldheer’s capacity for work. He said Veldheer could bench press 185 pounds 10 times upon his arrival _ “ for a guy that size it wasn’t very good” _ and by the time he got to the NFL scouting combine he was in the early 30s with 225 pounds.

By the time Veldheer was a senior, there was rarely a drill where scouts weren’t watching, yet he rarely let it go to his head.

“I told him it wasn’t my job to get him ready for the NFL, it was to get him ready for the next opponent, and he never had a problem with that,” Schreffler said.

Schreffler said it’s his understanding that Veldheer was quickly taken under his wing by veteran left guard Robert Gallery, and that along with veteran right guard Cooper Carlisle, the rookie will have plenty of help on both sides.

Defensively, McClain could have hardly had a bigger challenge for his first NFL game, not that he seems all that intimidated by it.

He will be the middle linebacker charged with defensive signals and alignments in attempting to shut off the NFL’s leading rusher last season, Chris Johnson.

He will in some cases be the spy for Tennessee quarterback Vince Young. That’s a a play-by-play dilemma in that it will be up to McClain to determine whether Young is running to the line of scrimmage to run, or running to the line of scrimmage to back off and throw a pass.

As for Houston, his job won’t be to be in the middle of decision-making, but chances are he’ll be centrally located when skirmishes break out. Since his first practice with the Raiders, Houston has been quick to push and prod, all the while elevating the level of intensity along a defensive unit that sorely needs it.