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TheNextStep

TX BBQ > KC BBQ
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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:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Rico Gafford on offense and Arden Key on defense. Yes. Those are my two dark horse guys that I like.
The Current State of Music
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
  1. 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.
  2. Daniel Carlson. I’m not saying cut the guy... but he’d better get his shit together.
  3. Brandon Parker. Still young, yes.... but there has been nothing about his play that inspires confidence at all.
  4. 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.”
  5. 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.
Street Tacos
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!
 
I had a killer Verde Sauce in San Antonio. The Verde I had here in Washington kinda sucked.

That’s all I got right now.
 
what I don't like about this team --> the fucking incompatent DC
 
I'm hoping we see a lot of motivation on our 3rd year DL guys. Key, Hurst and Hall have all flashed a little. Hurst the most of that group. That said I think all 3 are capable of so much more. Marinelli should be lighting a fire under each of them (along with the acquisitions of Nassib and Collins). Here are the guys coming to take your jobs. Start playing to your potential or you'll be looking for work soon.

My darkhorse guy? Tanner Muse. We all see "potential" stamped on him. But he's got a lot of attitude and ability. Leadership skills. I don't think he comes in and takes a starting job. But I think he comes in and takes a key ST role and the 3rd LB job sooner than later.

We've got potential All Pro players on O - up and down it. Carr, Incognito, Hudson, Brown, Waller, Jacobs - all guys that have played with "All-Pro" ability at times. Kolton is getting better, Jackson has shown ability, WR group just got a talent infusion. We have the potential to be great on O. I want to see it come together this year.

We don't have that on D... Yet. I'd love to see 2-3 guys hit that point this year. Mullen, Abram, Littleton, Crosby - all have that potential. Ferrell, Hurst, Collins, Randall, and Kwiat need to take a few steps to "get there" but all of them have "potential" still. Add in Arnette and Robertson as rookie contributors. Hankins isn't likely to get there based on position (NT) but he can continue to be that plug at a high level. I want to see some "special" out of this group. Maxx has shown glimpses of it. Littleton is a stud at what he does. Lets see who can step up.

Special teams... might be our weakest group. Carlson slipped last year. Cole isnt at the level of excellence we saw out of Shane/Guy or even King. We don't know who our return guys even are at this point.
 
I hate that I wasn’t all aboard this train. Hope he proves me wrong every fucking year.

Yeah I just went through that thread...

Hopefully he gives you the Kolton Miller treatment like I got.
 
I think you have posted this before lol. Or maybe I saw it somewhere else...

It’s not as bad as the inevitable “I think I downloaded the wrong Scooby Doo” memes are gonna be lmao...

I just saw it the other day...on reddit, I think. No idea how old it is. Entirely likely you've seen it before.
 
Ten Things I Like About This Team:

1 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.

Raiders don't get to have nice things, knee, shoulder, drugs, something will fuck this one up.

2. 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

Dude can play. He will still get his chances, our new WR is here to draw coverage from the TEs and RBs.

3. 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.

Everybody loves the coach on staff that is the guy groomed to take over when the guy in charge fucks up.

4. 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.

Haven't had LBs in a long long time. I'll believe it when I see it.

5. 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.

How long since this guy won anything?

6. 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.

Nice surprise last year. Does he have 2 in a row in him? I think so.

7. 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.

Yep, Derek really brings it on social media. Too bad he sucks ass on the field.

8. 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.

Who was that guy he took at #4 overall last year, can't seem to remember his name.

9. 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.

A $2B stadium with no parking revenue, no concessions, no nuthin and mortgaged to the hilt. Druh oh

10. Rico Gafford on offense and Arden Key on defense. Yes. Those are my two dark horse guys that I like.

What's not to like about Key --- oh ya, that. At least Rico has a cool name.



Sorry to shit on your list.
 
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