Oakland Raiders and the Ever Evolving Coaching Door

Oakland Raiders and the Ever Evolving Coaching Door

Let me start off by saying I have been a lifelong Raiders fan, through all the good (not a lot) and a lot of bad. I have grown accustomed to them ruining football for me every season because I just become that bitter fan that grows tired of them being the butt of the NFL jokes. With that being said, I am still as die-hard a fan as any in the Black Hole. Maybe a little less crazy, but I still love those folks!

I have been hearing a lot of the "here we go again" script in regards to Dennis Allen and Reggie McKenzie. "Fire DA" is something I regularly see on the various sports websites I frequent. Although I think both Allen and McKenzie are shoe-ins to stay one more year, a Davis is still calling the shots in Oakland. I would not be shocked or surprised to see them both gone, or one of them. 

I'll be honest, I hope neither of those happen, but if one of them were seen as a necessary casualty in Mark Davis' mind, I would hope it was McKenzie. Let's be honest, what has McKenzie done to better this franchise? I understand that he was dealt a bad hand with the sad salary cap situation created by an owner wanting to see one last winner before he passed, a lack of draft picks, and a lack of standout talent on the roster. But with the picks he has made so far, what has he landed? Sio Moore is the only one that had significant playing time this season that he has drafted. DJ Hayden was understandably behind after sitting out a whole season after a near death accident on the field, and nothing against him as a person or player, but he could have been had much later than the 3rd overall pick McKenzie almost spent on him, and the 12th pick he eventually did spend on him. 

He did massively overhaul a terrible defensive unit from the year previous, and with some creativity in play calling, the unit did decently for the first half of the season. The second half was a much different story, as the league figured out the stunts and mismatches within their schemes, and punished the unit on a weekly basis. Manning could have conceivably put up 60+ points had  last game of the season not been decided in the first quarter.  

Another area he massively failed was the offensive line. I realize that linemen don't come on the cheap, and good linemen cannot be added easily... but he didn't have enough linemen to make a team period. At one point early in the season, with Veldheer sidelined with his pectoral injury, the Raiders had 3 healthy offensive linemen to end a game. Two should not have been playing because of injuries, but had to out of necessity. How does this happen to a professional football team? Depth is an important part of the roster, and having none regardless of the caliber of player, is plain inexcusable. Also, how do you not have a backup center with experience?!

I'm also sick of hearing the excuses from Reggie. When he first took the job he said that the salary cap was manageable. Now I don't expect him to come in and say this is a big @#$% storm and it's going to take a long time to turn it around. But I also don't want him saying "I can do this," and then the following year, cite that as the reason he didn't succeed. The year after that, same story with little to, no progress. Not to mention, he sent Carson Palmer packing with a substantial paycheck, to play for another team!

With all that being said about McKenzie, let's get onto Dennis Allen. Dennis is a bright young coach that seems to have a good plan for what he wants to do, without the bulk of the players he needs to carry out that plan. Let's not absolve him of all blame either. He seemed disinterested, which might just be his personality, some guys just aren't fire-y. When things started getting out of hand, it seemed like the whole team just quit. I've been on a team like that, I know how it can get into players' heads. Once one bad thing happens, they just expect it all to unravel, it's at this point the coach needs to step in and get things under control. Allen doesn't seem like the guy that will do that. 

His players like him-except his quarterbacks- as most of them have voiced their support and hopes that he sticks around. So there is something to be said for that. I know I would have never asked for my coach to come back if he quit on us in the season. But his quarterbacks are a problem. Pryor showed flashes of being a dynamic play-maker early in the season, but seemed to regress when teams started bringing the pressure against a very bad and beat up offensive line. Rather than looking to throw, he was tucking the ball and running for dear life before he even tried to read the pass coverage. Given a better offensive line, and much more reps in training camp, preseason, and some real NFL games I think he could be an answer, though probably not as long-term as we would all like as Raiders fans. McGloin was impressive when he stepped in for Pryor for the first couple of games. He made some NFL throws, and got the ball out to his receivers. He showed that he has what it takes in some capacity to read defenses and make some tough throws to a surprising receiving core. I believe McGloin could be the backup for the foreseeable future, but I doubt he is the long-term answer at QB as well. The way Dennis handled the QB situation once Pryor was healthy enough to play has me doubting he really had a plan at all on the offensive side of the ball. 

Now that I have covered most of my perceived flaws with the Raiders management and coaching staff, let's look at why I want the Raiders to stay the course with these two in control. 

McKenzie hasn't done much with the draft picks he has had, or his offseason signings. But this might change come 2014. He has a full boat of picks, and last I saw, somewhere in the neighborhood of $70 million in cap space to spend on improving the roster. Assuming he doesn't do something drastic like signing a declining veteran QB (Vick comes to mind) to a big contract, that should be a lot of money to go around. I think he must resign Houston, Veldheer, and Jennings so that will eat up some of the space, but that's a lot of dough to spread around. But let's all remember, spending money doesn't always translate to wins. See the "Dream Team" Eagles of a few years ago. 

In terms of Allen, if he is given a better defense he can be a dynamic coach. He showed that he could win games with an average defense in Denver back when they had Tebow as a QB, and the defense was constantly facing 3 and outs by that putrid offense.

This is the year for both men to put up or shut up. Trust me, Raider Nation is growing thin on patience for both of these men!

Oakland A's Stadium and San Jose

Coliseum Woes Continue to Overshadow A's Great Season

A sewage backup in the O.co Coliseum has cause a huge stir in the Oakland Athletics clubhouse in the last few days. Despite the A's winning ways, currently sitting thirteen games above .500 at 43-30 with a 3 game lead over the nearest Texas Rangers, the focus has once again been on their aging stadium. The issue has yet to be resolved in the quest to move the team to the nearby Silicon Valley, and San Jose. MLB and Bud Selig are now faced with an antitrust lawsuit, spurred on by the latest incident that saw both the visiting Mariners and the Athletics having to shower in the Oakland Raiders locker room together. 

Given Selig's snail pace to get the issue resolved, I am not surprised by the lawsuit. However, being a longtime fan of the Athletics, I also don't think the solution is up and moving the team. Here are some potential things to look at for A's/MLB fans. 

• There are options in Oakland
• Massive renovations to the Coliseum (not likely)
• New stadium in Oakland (Clorox and other local companies have pledged assistance to keep the team in Oakland) Likely to happen if Lew Wolff changes his stance on "needing" to move the team.
• Raiders get new stadium, Coliseum becomes baseball only, renovations to follow. I see this as most likely, since NFL seems to drag their feet less than MLB.
• Move to San Jose
• More money for everyone involved except city of Oakland. Potentially higher payroll to help keep home-grown talent. Also very likely that Wolff becomes the next Jeffrey Loria (get taxpayers to foot the bill for the new stadium, then cut payroll to pocket more money.)
• Gets rid of MLB's antitrust exclusion, cities would then be able to lobby for teams to come to them. Larger markets would soon be taking small market teams. (No more Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland A's, Kansas City Royals, etc...) Extremely unlikely, MLB will likely avoid this at all costs. 

What I eventually see happening is the A's ownership and MLB will come up with a joint agreement with the San Francisco Giants (who own San Jose territorial rights.) This agreement will probably include several hundred million dollars changing hands from the A's to the Giants. Keep in mind that these rights had basically been given to the Giants from the A's to save their franchise back in the 90's (?) Now that the A's are basically trying to do the same thing, the Giants owners are refusing to work in the best interest of baseball and only working in the best interest of their own pocketbooks. Not that I want the A's to move, in fact I don't, but Wolff won't sell the team, and he wants to be elsewhere. The A's franchise deserves a better, or improved stadium, and I'm hoping either take place in Oakland rather than San Jose. 

So once again A's fans, if you're looking for your daily reason to hate the Giants, here it is. Let's all hope that a resolution is found that can keep the Green and Gold Oakland for many years to come. #SaveOaklandBaseball

Whose our QB?

At this point in the year teams begin to formulate what direction they are going to move forward in. For a lot of quarterbacks, that means an escort to the door. There are a few teams in the league that are still looking for an answer at quarterback.

Kansas City Chiefs- Matt Cassel was never the answer KC had hoped he would be. Brady Quinn came in and never really got anything going, which has become the staple of his career. They will be looking for a quarterback this off season. I would like to see Alex Smith go to the Chiefs, assuming he leaves The Bay, much like another 49er. With Jamal Charles running all over the place, all Alex smith would have to do is manage the game.

Jacksonville Jaguars- While I realize it still may be too early to call Blaine Gabbert a bust, at what point do you admit he is not ready, and bring in a veteran for him to learn behind? I see them them pulling in a veteran quarterback in free agency. Then again I don't have a big enough mustache to pretend like I know what is going on in Jacksonville.

Arizona Cardinals- How many quarterbacks does it take to win in Arizona? I don't know, I'll let ya kow when one shows up. There is not a team in worse shape at the quarterback position. Then again Andy Reid is telling Arizona if they hire him, he can fix Kevin Kolb.

New York Jets- If Tim Tebow comes in and can't fix your quarterback situation, I dont know what will. Wait, What???? My good friend Edward Kopfman thinks someone should put him in at fullback. It would have to make more of an impact then sitting on the bench. Before I get completely off subject, Mark Sanchez is never going to be a Matt Ryan or any of the other up and comers. I honestly think the only way for him to succeed in the league is if someone handles him the way Alex Smith was in San Francisco. And I honestly do believe he still has a chance to be a quarterback in the NFL. Just not the way everyone thought he would coming out of USC. Pete Carroll was quoted saying Mark needed to stay another season to develop, he didn't believe he was ready for the NFL. Perhaps he was onto something. Maybe Greg McElroy is the answer......

Buffalo Bills- I am constantly told that Ryan Fitzpatrick is a pretty good quarterback. While I'll admit that he has had some amazing games, I just need to see some consistency before I can believe that. Although, in his defence, I feel the play calling in 2012 was rediculous. C.J. Spiller should have been fed the ball non stop. Then let the Fitzpatrick manage the game as opposed to trying to win it every week.

Cleveland Browns- I felt I had to put the Browns on here. However I think it is still too early to give up on Brandon Weeden. Right Colt?

Philidelphia Eagles- I will be truly amazed if Michael Vick is still an Eagle next year. Honestly I dont think there is a chance in hell. I would like to see what Nick Foles can do with an entire off season with the starters. I would expect them to bring in a veteran as well.

Oakland Raiders- The Raiders got more out of Carson Palmer than I thought they would have. However, he is not the answer, neither is Matt Leinart, nor Terrelle Pryor. Until this position is set for the years to come, I don't think the Raiders will ever move forward. Maybe they will bring in Michael Vick and Terrelle Pryor could learn under him.


These are just the babblings of a fan who is happy to not see his team on this list. Though its too early to tell if I will be off the list for long, it should comfort all of you to know the difference one off season can make. Look at the Colts, Seahawks, Redskins, Broncos, and even my Dolphins. When the quarterback position isn't the glaring weekness on the team, it allows the team to finally begin building. The quarterback is much like the heart in your chest. Without it, the rest of the body will shut down.

Please share your comments. What did you agree with? Have I lost my mind?
All feedback is welcome.

Phinland Pride,
Kyle Gilmore

Raiders Lose 42-32

Raiders Comeback Falls Short

In what I thought would be a fairly easy game for the Raiders to win at home, they showed me once again that I still have no idea what kind of team they are 8 games into the season.

The game started well enough with the Raiders shutting down the Bucs first drive after punting themselves. They then got the ball back and drove down for a quick field goal by Janikowski to give themselves a 3-0 lead.

Tampa was quick to respond, and on 3&15 from their own 15. Freeman connected with Vincent Jackson for a 64 yard toss. Another 20 yarder to Jackson a few plays later put the Buccaneers on top 7-3. Good news is, the Raiders came back and got the lead 10-7. Bad news, Doug Martin.

After halftime, one Doug Martin took over the game. He put up 3 runs over 40 yards for TD's in the second half and helped the Bucs pull away. On the day, Martin had 251 yards and 4 touchdowns with a few receptions sprinkled in for good measure. The product of Oakland had a homecoming party in a big way.

Oakland made it interesting late bringing it to within a 3 point game, and even had the ball with 2:43 left in the 4th quarter on their own 40 yard line. Only to have Carson Palmer unravel after throwing over 400 yards and 4 touchdowns. He threw interceptions on consecutive drives to end any chance of a comeback.

This was an ugly game, but the Raiders keep hanging tough and stay in games. I don't know what to expect from them anymore. One week they look like an upper level team and then the next they look like they don't know what defense or offense is. Another frustrating year is underway for sure. Don't look for relief anytime soon either Raiders fans, the schedule only gets tougher from here on out. Pains me to say this, but I think the cream of the AFC West crop is the Denver Broncos this year... Now I'm going to go promptly remove my fingers after typing that.

By Bill Montoya