Tag: jack del rio

Raiders at Saints: Oakland’s Best Quotes

Oakland Raiders Head Coach Jack Del Rio said his team put on a gritty performance in a win over the New Orleans Saints. He said the team is learning how to win and close games.

“Let’s win it right now. I thought that we took some clock there at the end so they would not have as much (time). That is why we went for two after the score…..I let them know early in that drive (that we would go for it). I said, ‘When we go score here, we’re going to go for two and we’re going to win it right here.’ I said that right when the drive started.” The Raiders coach said about his decision to go for a two-point conversion that would decide the game.

Quarterback Derek Carr on the playcall:

“When I got the call, I took a deep breath, made sure my footwork was right, and just lobbed it up for Crab. That’s just my thought process. I say lob it up, but obviously trying to put it in a certain spot where he can make a play.”

Receiver Michael Crabtree said that the team practices that play so much that it becomes routine.

“He (QB Carr) gave me a great ball there, and he did that the entire game. That shows he trusts me. And it wasn’t a gutsy call at all, not at all. He (Coach Del Rio) has a lot of trust in us, and we have a lot of trust in him. I mean when you put in so much work in camp and in the preseason, I feel like all we have to do as players is execute.” Crabtree said after the game.

Added, the receiver said the team showed heart by not giving up when they were down late.

Fellow receiver Amari Cooper also said the team is learning how to win.

“When we got down late in the game, no one got upset about it,” said Cooper. “We just kept going. We were resilient today. We all knew we just had to keep playing and make plays.”

In the end, the Raiders offense proved they could keep pace with the high-octane New Orleans Saints offense. More importantly, the team never seem rattled. Despite sputtering on both sides of the ball in the second-half, Oakland seemed like they were the better team. The Silver and Black proved it by taking the win via the two-point conversion.

*Quotes released by the team website.

 

 

 

 

Raiders Rants: Gabe Jackson, Jack Del Rio, David Amerson, and receivers

Gabe Jackson

  • CBSSports.com’s Pete Prisco ranked the most underrated player on each team.
  • Jackson earned the recognition for the Raiders.
  • Prisco wrote that he gives the Raiders a nice guard tandem with Kelechi Osemele.

My Take: I’ve said this since the Raiders drafted Jackson. He should transition to the right side well this year.

Jack Del Rio

The Raiders head coach released a statement on the death of his former head coach.

“Dennis Green created an outstanding environment for his players and I was privileged to spend four great years under his guidance in Minnesota,” said Del Rio via SB Nation. “He was a real trailblazer and his impact on the game continues to live through the many successful coaches that he mentored. One of his phrases, or ‘Denny-isms’ as we call them, is ‘We’re going to plan our work and work our plan.’ I still use that ‘Denny-ism’ today. Coach Green is going to be missed dearly by everyone that was lucky enough to know him.”

Del Rio was the starting middle linebacker at Green’s first head coaching job with the Vikings.

He spent four years playing for Green in Minnesota.

My Take: During a time when there was not a lot of black coaches, Dennis Green was for reals a trailblazer. Even know, there is a misrepresentation of black head coaches in football at the NFL and NCAA levels. More importantly, Green went way before his time. RIP.

Wide Receivers

CSN Bay Area’s Scott Bair dove into the Raiders receiver position.

  • He cites that Amari Cooper lead the league with 18 dropped passes. Drops were not an issue in training camp, according to Bair.
  • Andre Holmes was also the No. 4 receiver, as his offensive snaps dropped. Bair writes that he should find a role in special teams coverage and provide injury protection.
  • Bair lists Joes Hansley, Max McCaffrey and Johnny Holton as receivers who stood out in the offseason program. He suggests that one of them could end up as the fifth receiver behind Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Seth Roberts, and Holmes.

My Take: I think Bair hit it on the nail. Doubt the Raiders would add a veteran to the position. They seem set at the position with nothing to add.

Tight Ends

Bair also dove into the tight end position this week.

  • He says that Walford flashed real potential last season, and he needs to build on last year’s effort to become a legitimate threat in the middle of the field. Bair also cites that injuries have impeded his process.
  • Mychal Rivera suffered some trade rumors this offseason. Bair writes that he was phased out last season. However, he still brings injury protection.
  • Gabe Holmes also has potential, acording to Bair. Bair says the 2015 undrafted free agent could push for the No. 3 roster spot.

Ricky Williams

Willams saw a Raiders game on TV, when he was retired at age 27. At that point, Williams wanted to return to the league by changing his name and joining the Raiders, according to NFL.com.

My Take: This story is definitely worth a read. Light read which will give you a nice laugh.

David Amerson

The Raiders corner who was cut by the Redskins 10 months ago got a four-year contract extension worth $38 million, with $17.5 million in guarantees.

My Take: I’m always happy to see a player get money. Amerson proved himself as a starting corner last year. Now, he will have to continue proving himself. He should see more targets playing opposite Sean Smith. Plus, Amerson has all that guaranteed money to live up to.

Raiders Rants: DeAndre Washington, Michael Crabtree & Las Vegas

More updates on the latest headlines from the Oakland Raiders.

DeAndre Washington

Apparently, the Raiders see rookie DeAndre Washington as a potential starter.

  • OC Bill Musgrave complimented his work ethic and said he earned reps with the first team.
  • CBS Sports reports that Washington is a lot like starter Latavius Murray. He is also a good catcher.

My Take: I like the comparison to Murray. They were both taken late in the draft. We will see what happens, but personally I am pulling for Taiwan Jones as the No. 2 back. Jones is too explosive not to have a role on our offense.

Michael Crabtree

Pro Football Focus ranked Crabtree as the worst contract in football. Their conclusion is based on analyzing his stats with the market value.

My Take: Anyone who watched a Raider game knows Crabtree’s value extends beyond the boxscore. Derek Carr is comfortable looking for him in clutch situations. He has helped Carr and Amari Cooper develop. Not to mention, Crabtree averages an almost sideline catch per game. Get those feet down Crab. Otherwise, I love Crabtree’s deal and production.

Jack Del Rio

The Raiders head coach wants to honor Raiders legend John Madden by wearing a suit. However, Nike and the NFL have a deal that puts coaches in their apparel.

My Take: Let Del Rio honor someone who changed the game as a coach and broadcaster. Plus, Del Rio could become the freshest coach in the league.

Kirk Morrison

Ex-Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison spoke to the Raiders’ rookies. This was part of Oakland’s first rookie transition program.

Morrison talked about the pressures to buy jewelry, and he talked about having his life threatened over that chain.

My Take: Morrison was one of my favorite Raiders. These days he is one of my favorite media personalities. Glad he can carry on his Raider legacy with these rookies. People forget that Morrison was a bright spot for some of those horrible years.

Las Vegas

A few weeks ago the Raiders sent a detailed survey to the residents of Las Vegas.

They showed how serious they are about the move by emailing an 83-question survey to 10,000 residents.

The survey company that did the Raiders survey also took part in a similar exercise for the NHL Las Vegas franchise.

My Take: Atleast the Raiders are actually looking at the interest of the market, and not just throwing a billion dollar franchise at a small market.

 

 

 

Raiders Rants: D.J. Hayden, Mario Edwards, Karl Joseph, Matt McGloin & more

The Oakland Raiders finished minicamp a couple of weeks ago. Here is my take on the biggest headlines since then.

Matt McGloin

Raiders QB Matt McGloin started minicamp as the No. 3 quarterback, behind Connor Cook.

My Take: It should not come as a surprise. McGloin was drafted by the previous regime. He is a game manager at best. Let’s see what we got in Cook. All reports indicate he looks good.

Karl Joseph

  • Defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. said this secondary is more talented than last season’s crop.
  • Norton Jr. said Raiders rookie Karl Joseph is a stick of dynamite, because of his explosiveness via film.

My Take: Norton Jr.’s comments are in line with what everyone has said about the Raiders secondary. However, they need to get healthy. We gotta see it on the field, because they haven’t played together yet due to injuries.

D.J. Hayden

Speaking of the Raiders secondary, head coach Jack Del Rio said D.J. Hayden had a good spring. He said he was excited about Hayden’s development.

My Take: I’ve made it a point to defend Hayden. I’m glad the Raiders are doing so as well. It is clear he will have the first shot at winning the slot corner position.

Max McCaffrey

My Take: Max McCaffrey made a name for himself this spring. That is a lot considering he is the son of a Broncos great and brother to a Stanford great. McCaffrey should be one of the leads to breakout as an UDFA this year. Think Seth Roberts, Andre Holmes, and Rod Streater mold.

Read more on dude here.

Pro Football Focus

  • The popular stats website graded Khalil Mack as the No. 6 overall player in the league.
  • Other Raiders like Amari Cooper and Derek Carr also made the list.

My Take: Shout out to the Raiders finally catching some respect.

Kick Returners

  • Apparently, the Raiders will keep the status quo at the returner positions.
  • T.J. Carrie is expected to keep his job as the punt returner, while Taiwan Jones will return kickoffs.

My Take: No surprise here. Both Jones and Carrie could see reduced roles at their normal positions. Carrie is no longer a starter at CB and Jones could lose his spot as RB No. 2. Both dudes are athletes who should make great contributions on special teams still.

Mario Edwards Jr.

Mario Edwards participated in minicamp. His status was questionable with an undisclosed neck injury.

My Take: Good for Edwards. He should breakout with more talent around him on defense. He balled as a rookie, until injuries cut his season short.

 

 

 

 

Raiders Rants: Sean Smith, Jack Del Rio and John Madden

Check out the latest headlines and notes with my take on the news and issues facing the Oakland Raiders.

Sean Smith

  • Earlier this week, Sean Smith spoke to the media about the Raiders secondary reinventing itself.
  • Smith said, David Amerson has impressed him with his size and athleticism.
  • As for DJ Hayden, Smith said he believes Hayden can turn his career around.

I hope Smith is right about Hayden. It would be nice if the Raiders could salvage the 2013 first round pick. Hayden’s skill set fits the slot corner role. If Hayden wants to make the roster he must beat out TJ Carrie and Neiko Thorpe at the Nickel spot.

Raiders schedule

  • Pro Football Focus put the Raiders at 11-5.
  • ESPN also has the Raiders favored in every game except 4.
  • Raiders will travel the most miles in the league.
  • Oakland faces the toughest second half of the schedule, and the easiest first half.

Earlier this offseason, Vegas had the Raiders record at 8 wins. Now, the Raiders are expected to do a lot better. This is the first time in years that the Raiders have gotten this much preseason hype. Hopefully, they will live up to expectations when the time comes.

Ken Norton Jr. on Ali

  • The great Muhammad Ali died last week, and Ken Norton Jr., whose father fought Ali three-times, opened up about the champ.
  • Norton Jr. talked about Ali helping out his family and being intertwined.
  • Ali used to do magic for Norton Jr.

It is always great to hear about Ali. Norton Jr. brought an interesting perspective because he lived during Ali’s time. Ali also helped his family make it as Heavyweight Champion.

Relocation update

  • NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell encouraged the Oakland mayor to meet with Oakland investors lead by Ronnie Lott.
  • Earlier this week, a Vegas strip club offered the Raiders free limo rides and lapdances.
  • In the same article, former player Donte Stallworth said any Vegas team would lose every game.

First, I am glad that there is some news on the Oakland front. Second, I agree with Stallworth that Vegas is a unique party area. Sin City is not the greatest place for an NFL team.

Mainstream attention

  • The NFL is finally taking notice of the Raiders with their Mack Mondays and Woodson Wednesdays.
  • Speaking of attention, two Raiders will participate in Family Feud. 

The Raiders are actually newsworthy? We don’t want your mainstream hype or bandwagon fans. Period.

Jack Del Rio

  • The Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio finally joined Twitter.
  • Del Rio posted some cool picks of the media and the team.
  • Oakland’s head coach said he wanted to get up with the times.

Congrats coach! Welcome to Twitter.

John Madden

  • Raiders great John Madden missed his annual Bocce Tournament.
  • Madden is rehabbing a new hip.
  • The Raiders Hall of Fame coach underwent open heart surgery earlier this year.

Prays for Madden. For reals. Let’s hope one of the greatest gets back to full strength.

Reviewing the Oakland Raiders NFL Draft

 

The Oakland Raiders entered the draft with most of their starters set, but glaring needs for depth across the roster. How did they do with their picks? Why did they make the selections that they did?

Jack Del Rio and Reggie McKenzie shared insights onto their picks. As a bonus, I’ve also recapped my thoughts on the picks since the dust settled on the NFL Draft.

S Karl Joseph, West Virginia (No. 14 overall)
McKenzie: “You can feel his toughness. He has a very aggressive mentality. He’s versatile. He can play all over the field, and he’ll run and hit anything that moves.”

Del Rio: “We just think he’s a really good football player, and he’ll have an infectious kind of personality and demeanor about himself. So, [we’re] really excited to get our hands on him and looking forward to working with him.”

My take: Initially felt like the Raiders reached on a 5’11 strong safety coming off of a knee injury. However, the Falcons took Keanu Neal at No. 17, so the safety position was in demand. Heard nothing but good things about Jospeh’s mental processing and competitive toughness. His selection fills the biggest gap on the roster. Excited to see what he can do. 

DL Jihad Ward, Illinois (No. 44 overall)
Del Rio: “ He has played all the way out as a nine technique all the way down to into a three technique. He has been exposed to a lot of football. And, defensive line is not as complex as playing quarterback. We think we can help him grow as a player and we like what we are starting with.”

My take: Again, felt like the Raiders reached for Ward. I liked some of the other defensive tackles like Andrew Billings and Jonathan Bullard on the board at this point. However, Ward is extremely versatile. Not only did he play across the d-line at Illinois, but he played safety and receiver at the lower levels. Ward brings top-level athleticism which will push Mario Edwards Jr. and the rest of the defensive unit. Glad they took someone to improve the depth in the pass rush. 

Edge rusher Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State (No. 75 overall)
Del Rio: “He’s a very productive young man, really understands how to rush the quarterback. He’s been an All-American and he’s been a very productive guy at a good college program. ”

My take: Calhoun was a great value at this point in the draft. Even though the Raiders took Ward, they should use Calhoun as a hybrid linebacker. He should learn a lot behind Khalil Mack and Aldon Smith. I hope he can improve coverage skills as he may need to play some Sam linebacker. Either way, I like players like Calhoun who showed lots of leadership and production for winning programs in college. 

QB Connor Cook, Michigan State (No. 100 overall)
McKenzie: “ “Derek (Carr)’s our quarterback. Whoever we bring in, we’re just looking [at] can he help us? Can he add to the depth? Can he help our team? That was the only reason we went after him. Leadership issues, that was of no concern.”

My take: Again, this was a case of selecting the best player available. The Raiders traded up and got a player that could develop into some nice trade bait. Regardless, the Raiders only have Matt McGloin under contract for this season. Hence, there was a need to develop a backup quarterback. Cook brings production and a solid NFL arm to the Raiders scout team.

RB DeAndre Washington, Texas Tech (No. 143 overall)
McKenzie: “He’s the one guy that every time we watched him play, it was very difficult for the first guy to get him down. He had power, quickness and he had speed. He was the kind of the guy that can do it all. ”

My take: I liked some other running backs in this draft like Paul Perkins. However, everyone talks about Washington’s versatility. Remember the Raiders got Latavius Murray late in the draft. Maybe they struck gold again in Washington. He will push Taiwan Jones and Roy Helu for playing time early.

LB Cory James, Colorado State (No. 194 overall)
McKenzie: “He has played a lot of positions. We’ll see. For the beginning, we’ll let him play off the ball and see if he can play weakside linebacker, teach him both inside linebacker spots, and nickel. But he’s definitely going to have to try to make his money on special teams.”

My take: At this point in the draft, teams look for special teams guys who might develop into something more. James fills that role. Seems like a quality athlete with a decent motor. I trust Reggie McKenzie, Jack Del Rio and Ken Norton Jr. when it comes to linebackers. The Raiders did well with Neiron Ball and Ben Heeney, last year. 

OL Vadal Alexander, Louisiana State (No. 234 overall)
McKenzie: “(I was surprised he slipped in the draft), because big guys, they usually get taken. We felt really good about that and we like big people. He’s going to work both (guard and tackle). The versatility is what we liked about him.”

My take: The Raiders got lucky at this point. They found a big body and versatile player in the final round. He also fills the depth need on the offensive line with experience at guard and tackle. Plus, all that I’ve read says that he should have gotten drafted way earlier than this. 

*All quotes via Scott Bair.

Raiders Strike Gold with Norton

Ken Norton Jr. via Google images.

The Raiders received some flak for not hiring a sexy visionary name as Head Coach. They got even more hate when defensive coordinators spurned them.

Finally, the Raiders named a defensive coordinator and it was Ken Norton Jr. Formally of the Seahawks.

Not only does Norton come from the Pete Carroll coaching tree dating back to USC, but he and Del Rio started together in Dallas under Jimmie Johnson.

 

The two have already agreed to have a good working relationship. While Del Rio plans to help with the Xs and Os, Norton will ultimately make the calls on Saturday.

Why should Raider fans be excited? Not only does Norton Jr. Have relationships with pending Free Agents Byron Maxwell and Malcolm Smith but he also was one of the most vocal coaches for the Seahawks.

The Raiders have a slew of talent at linebacker with Sio Moore and Khalil Mack who should thrive under a firey Norton. As a former linebacker coach, Norton is lucky to have two solid young linebackers as well as Miles Burris as extra depth.

Norton Jr. may not be the mad genius that Jason Tarver was, but he has fire and experience as a player that current players and free agents should connect with.

Not to mention, Norton Jr. has a Superbowl ring as an assistant as does Del Rio.

Eitherway, fans should be excited because he should employ many of the Seahawks’ defensive philosophies including: depth, swagger, tenacity, speed, and development. Most of all development and depth across the entire defensive roster regardless of where a player is drafted. That is what the Raiders need most.

Raider nation get excited as a Del Rio and Ken Norton Jr. combination means the Raiders should get back to playing defense the Raider way!

The defensive coordinator fiasco

Can we just hire a coordinator already?

The fact that Raiders have already added staff positions but have yet to net a defensive coordinator is understandably making fans anxious.

The Raiders have already explored options with Eric Mangini and Mike Smith who would have both been good coordinators. Ultimately, both have reportedly spurned the job.

Meanwhile the Raiders have been looking at college defensive coordinators, Todd Grantham also turned down the job and opted to stay at his post for the Louisville Cardinals. It is a testament to the quality of the job, so much as it is him being comfortable in Louisville. Maybe he likes the amateurism of the NCAA considering he had a taste of the league in 2007 with the Browns. Plus that program is turning out pros right now.

Either way, fans should not panic. Head Coach Jack Del Rio is an established defensive mind. He has been apart of Superbowl Defenses with the 2000 Ravens, 2002 Panthers, and 2014 Broncos.

It could be one of the reason why established coordinators are shying away from the job.However, Jack Del Rio was able to work under a defensive mind John Fox, so hopefully he can find another coordinator willing to establish a similar relationship.

Regardless, 60 million in cap space, a top draft selection, and a nucleus of Justin Ellis, Khalil Mack, and DJ Hayden are enough to attract a defensive coordinator. Plus, the players present are versatile enough that a coordinator can build the defense how they see fit.

Another reason to be optimistic is the hope of landing some key Seattle assistants once the Superbowl is over.

Hence, Raider fans do not need to panic just yet. Besides, Suh’s former head coach Schwartz is still out there!

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Bill Musgrave as Offensive Coordinator can’t be worse than previous OCs

Well atleast his name is not Greg.

Today, it was reported that the Oakland Raiders would hire Bill Musgrave as their offensive coordinator.

Some fans were underwhelmed by the hire considering they wanted Marc Trestman as the play caller. Trestman would have been a great candidate due to his work with quarterbacks like Rich Gannon, Josh McCown and others in the CFL.

But come on, do we really want a retread from the 02 season where we were dominated by the Buccaneers?

Either way, Musgrave would be a solid hire for the Raiders. His offenses have never been elite but they have finished in the top half of the league each year. He even did so with a 2013 quarterback disaster of Christian Ponder/ Josh Freeman/ Matt Cassell.

Plus, Musgrave helped Foles transform from a young quarterback into a borderline star. Imagine what he could do with Derek Carr?

Combine that with the fact that his team has finished within the top of rushing attempts and the Raiders have themselves someone who can help the offensive unit build into a bully.

It should be good to see Murray combining with another free agent or drafted running back to carry the load of the offense. Especially if the Raiders can build a dominate defense.

Either way, can he be any worst than the poor innovation and underwhelming play-calling of Greg Olsen and Greg Knapp over the past few seasons?

Musgrave spent a season under Chip Kelly and maybe some of those fast, spread elements can transfer to the Raiders. Further, it gives Jeremy Maclin a familiar face when he explores his options in Free Agency.

Also noted, Musgrave understand Del Rio’s philosophies having worked under him in Jacksonville, and he understands the bay area having been here in 1997. Hence, the Raiders could have done worse than hiring Musgrave.