TheNextStep
TX BBQ > KC BBQ
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2006
- Messages
- 16,295
- Reaction score
- 34,573
Disclaimer: This thread is supposed to be fun. It is not the Political argument thread. It is not the Covid-19 argument thread. It is not the Act Like An Asshole thread. Yes, you can hit on covid and, yes, you can hit on other thoughts and, yes, you tease and joke.... but let’s be cool. I don’t make the rules and I can’t tell you how to act but the idea of the thread is light-hearted, always has been.
Ten Things I Like About This Team:
I used to always pride myself on the fact that, even though I keep on getting older, I still managed to stay pretty current. I kind of envisioned myself as being that 70 year old at a rock concert with a bunch of 20 year olds thinking “what’s this old guy doing here?” Over the last several years, I think that’s kind of changed. I hate mumble rap, I hate modern country (because it isn’t country), I hate metal singer who view deep throating a microphone as talent. I don’t know.... lately I’ve been going way back to 70s guitar rock. So... if you guys stay current, give me some singles to listen to. I don’t care what genre. Gimme something here. My other alternative is admitting that I am both old AND completely out of touch and I’m not ready for that yet.
Five Things I Don’t Like About This Team
The best street tacos I’ve ever had were in Washington State. Seems like an odd place for it but there is a heavy migrant population when apples and cherries are ripe. I just followed them to a taco truck and, damn.... unbelievable. As it turns out, Colorado makes shitty horrible street tacos so I have decided to make my own this weekend. If you’re a street taco wizard, give me tips and tricks. Oh, even better: if you make a killer verde sauce, let me know that shit!
Ten Things I Like About This Team:
- Josh Jacobs. I freaking love this kid. There wasn’t a single game that he played in last year where I didn’t say “I love Josh Jacobs.” I said it so much that my girlfriend’s daughter (also a huge Raider fan) had a shirt made for me that says it. He’s durable, elusive, and determined. How many times did he turn 3 yards into 5 yards? 8 yards into 13 yards? And then you add in the background story and his humility? What an easy guy to root for.
- Darren Waller. The guy was a stud and, while I expect the numbers to go down this year given the potential upgrades at the receiver position, I expect the impact plays to be greater. Also, let’s face it.... we’re all suckers for redemption stories and this kid has turned his life around.
- Rod Marinelli. Look, I really liked Coach Buckner a lot. I hope he does well in his new spot. There’s no arguing with Marinelli’s track record though. I really am optimistic that he can get more out of Ferrell, Hurst, and Hall.
- Linebackers. The last time I remember being happy with our linebackers, we had William Thomas, Greg Beikert, and Eric Barton. While I still don’t know who rounds out the trio, I’m ecstatic that we got both Littleton and Kwiatkowski. We were all hoping to land one of them and I still can barely believe that we got both.
- Jon Gruden. I know some people have been a bit down on him lately but I’m not one of them. Players seem to like and respect him and, most importantly, want to play for him.
- Maxx Crosby. You can’t not like this kid, though I tried. After Hard Knocks, I thought he was headed for the practice squad. 10 sacks as a rookie, a great motor, a seemingly good work ethic... and, again, Rod Marinelli. I hope for big things this year.
- Derek Carr. This is not to start any arguments. He does some things that aggravate me and needs to get better... but I like the guy. I think we can win with him. I do hope that he’s as salty and DGAF this season as his social media posts seem to indicate. As has been noted, he could use a little “Red Ass Rich” attitude.
- Mike Mayock. Another guy that I tried to not like. “What? We got a TV guy for a GM?” But the guy has done well. I (along with everyone else) was impressed by last year’s draft and I think he’s done well in free agency as well. And I really don’t care much about who has final say in the Gruden/Mayock dynamic because they seem to trust each other, respect each other, and work well together.
- Mark Davis. I know, I know... he’s got a goofy ass haircut. But I like the angle that here was this guy who was treated as an afterthought and a know-nothing who ended up completely out fixing the league when they fucked him on the LA deal. I like that he tried diligently to stay in Oakland but wasn’t going to be taken advantage of. I like that he was best friends with Cliff Branch and, accordingly, treats Raider alums right (even that rat Marcus Allen). Now, this may change, depending on if Alegiant turns into the prime destination for opposing fans to take over because of hotel/casino deals or if ticket prices remain outrageous. But, as it stands, I like the guy.
- Rico Gafford on offense and Arden Key on defense. Yes. Those are my two dark horse guys that I like.
I used to always pride myself on the fact that, even though I keep on getting older, I still managed to stay pretty current. I kind of envisioned myself as being that 70 year old at a rock concert with a bunch of 20 year olds thinking “what’s this old guy doing here?” Over the last several years, I think that’s kind of changed. I hate mumble rap, I hate modern country (because it isn’t country), I hate metal singer who view deep throating a microphone as talent. I don’t know.... lately I’ve been going way back to 70s guitar rock. So... if you guys stay current, give me some singles to listen to. I don’t care what genre. Gimme something here. My other alternative is admitting that I am both old AND completely out of touch and I’m not ready for that yet.
Five Things I Don’t Like About This Team
- Cornerback. Yes, I think Mullen can be a stud... but I am cognizant through my optimism that it’s a small sample size. Yes, I’ve come around some on Arnette... but I am cognizant through my optimism that I needed to be convinced. Yes, I like Amik Robertson’s attitude.... but he’s still 5’8”. Yes, I like Prince Amukamara... but I liked him several years ago. In a passing league, in the same division as the Super Bowl champions who can score in the blink of an eye, I cannot pretend that I am comfortable with this group yet. I hope they prove me wrong.
- Daniel Carlson. I’m not saying cut the guy... but he’d better get his shit together.
- Brandon Parker. Still young, yes.... but there has been nothing about his play that inspires confidence at all.
- LaMarcus Joyner as the slot corner. I know I just gave a vote of no confidence to the other corners... and I know I’ve given Joyner props for his work defending the run and passes to the flats.... but he’s no corner. He’s not the answer. If the question is “How many bones in the human body?” He, on the bubble sheet, is “C. Seven Chickens.”
- Mark Davis’ hair cut. Come on, man... surely somebody has had the balls to tell you. You’re just being stubborn. Do something with that.
The best street tacos I’ve ever had were in Washington State. Seems like an odd place for it but there is a heavy migrant population when apples and cherries are ripe. I just followed them to a taco truck and, damn.... unbelievable. As it turns out, Colorado makes shitty horrible street tacos so I have decided to make my own this weekend. If you’re a street taco wizard, give me tips and tricks. Oh, even better: if you make a killer verde sauce, let me know that shit!